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HISTORICAL SOUVENIR, 



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murZi^izis^niz 



SUPPI.BMBNT TO ISSUE OF AUGUST 4, 1904. 



DEXTER, MAINE. 



IHE EASTERN GAZETTE 



Volume 43 



DEXTER, MAINE 



Supplement 



The Early History of the Town of Dexter 



By HAIyCYON CHASE 



Preamble. 

The historian who sliall lil'r the veil eiishroiuiing: 
at least the facts, as yet iiii|>iil>lishe<l cln-onoloficically, 
concerning many of J)exter's ancestors, througli 
whose indefatigable efforts the Dexter of to-day has 
been made possible, will have accomplished much 
in the interest of its townspeople, whose ancestry 
were enrolled among the pioneer settlers. Certain 
it is that no stranger, ever so researchful, can even 
hope to present other than a traditional digest of 
Dexter's early straggle for existence, gleaned as the 
writer has done from a few, very few, of such ar- 
chives as have escaped destruction, and from the 
older residents whose memories, while vividly re- 
calling many interesting incidents, are wofully 
deficient as to dates, generally culminating in 
"thinks." Among those to whom tlie writer is 
indebted for such material as is interwoven in the 
necessarily brief resume of the town contained in 
this brochure, are Hon. Josiah Crosljy, ("yrus Foss, 
<.'apt. Samuel Winslow. Allen llerrill. Lawyer T. H. 
B. Pierce, and Samuel (dpeland. 

Dexter, 

as everybody knows, who has ever visited the town, 
or in passing through (ui the train have obtain- 
ed a glimpse thereof from the summits over which 
traverses the iron highway, lies in a favored loca- 
tion, nestled amid mountainous hills, the crests of 
which command a kaleidoscopic view of surround- 
ing hill and dale, superb beyond description, their 
grassy slopes dotted with the handsome residences 
of thrifty Dexterites, overlooking the populous in- 
dustrial valley Vjeneath. 

Sandwiched as it were between the Penobscot and 
Kennebec rivers, connected by tortuous streams 
that outlet from numerous ponds, or fed from gush- 
ing springs that stud the intervening territory, 
while cradled mid the hills within the western bor- 
ders of the town, is a beautiful sheet of water known 
as Silver pond, ami in later days as Wassookeag 



lake, its irregular moss fringed shores, embowered 
'neath the leafy foliage in midsummer of the hem- 
lock and birch, affording excellent opportunities for 
the erection of sunnner homes, already taken advan- 
tage of by a few, and the waters of which outlet in- 
to a stream meandering through the town with a 
fall of 142 feet In three-(iuarters of a mile, contribut- 
ing to the operative maiiitainance of numerous in- 
dustrial plants lining its banks, and with a tri-daily 
passenger service by rail, and e(iuall5' as excellent 
freight accommodation, to and from the principal 
commercial centres, Dexter must be considered in 
the accounting of claims for ascendancy as a manu- 
facturing centre, or for residential purposes. 

Prior to its incorporation as a town, .June 17, 1816, 
the six square miles comprising the village of Dex- 
ter was known as townshij) 4, range o, and in com- 
mon witli other lands within the province of Maine, 
l)elonging to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 
was surveyed, and the plans of 31 townships sub- 
mitted to the Massachusetts authorities, by Ephraim 
Ballard and John Weston of Hallowell, in 1702. In 
1794. James Bridge, a noted attorney of Augusta, 
contracted for the pui-chase of township 4, range 5, 
which through various assignments came into the 
possession of Andrew Cragie of Caud^ridge, Mass. 
In 1801 P. Coffin and John Reed were delegated as 
agents to make and execute conveyances of eastern 
lands, through whom, by authority of the General 
(Jourt of Masaschusetts, in 1804, Amos Bond and 
seven others of Watertown and Newton, Mass., be- 
came the proprietors, upon payment of #6,180.99, 
excepting four lots of 335 acres each, reserved re- 
spectively for the Hrst settled clergyman, the sup- 
port of the ministry, a school lot and a lot for dis- 
position by the General Court, jjrovided, however, 
that at the exi)irati()n of eight years forty families 
should l)ecome settled within its borders. 

:Early Career. Industrial. 



So far as tradition, 
records at hand, hoKlf 



supplemented by the liuuted 
the first indivi(hials to locate 



_a -n .f-r> 



THE EASTERN GAZETTE 



in tliH town wtre Ebeiiee/.er Sniiill ami .John Tucker 
in IHdO. wild wpi-e g'uided tliither by a spotted trail. 
Dexter at that period beiiif; little else than a vast 
wilderness. The |)rimitive cabin of the forniei- 
occnpied a clearing defined liy the lot whereon at 
present stands the law Imildinf;- of (;rt)sby & Crosby 
on Main street. Within this rude home of the 
SnialPs was born unto them a daughter, Feb. 4, 
1802, and christened Johannah, this being the tiist 
birth witliin the township. 

Following these two pioneers came others, includ- 
ing Sanuiel ElUins of Cornville. who established a 
clearing near the outlet t>f Silver pond, or what is 
now termed Wassookeag lake, erected a cabin there- 
on, and from the surrounding big timber hewed out 
the frame for a saw and grist mill, which when coni- 
jjleted and put in operation in 18(13, constituted 
De.\ter's inaugural industry. 

The townshij) thereafter, until its incorjioration 
in 181(), was known as Elkinstown. A few years 
later .Vndrew Morse, who had become a town resi- 
dent, and who subsecpiently became sheritl' of 
Penobscot (Jounty, erected a cai'ding mill upon Mr. 
Elkins" privilege, this being followed by the erection 
of a fulling mill on what is now known as Middle- 
sex place by J. C Hill. This mill was subsequently 
converted into a shoe factory and thence into a 
planing nnll by (', W. Curtis, who acquired its 
possession, he being succeeded by the Eldridge 
Brothers. In the spring of 1888 this relic of l>y gone 
days, enlarged and improved for phiiiiiig mill ])iir- 
poses, was partially destroyed by tire. 

In 1816, James Russell built a tannerx in the rear 
of the present bank block, later operated by Asa 
Merrill and Joshua Parker, and some years later 
reconstructed it intoadwelling, with a store occupy- 
ing the first Hoor, the latter at divers times being 
occupied by Seth Davis, George Chase and Ozam 
McCrillis. Souieyeais later the building was moved 
to Main street, ad.joining Wyman's furnituie house, 
and was subse<juently l)urned. 

In 1817 came Jonathan Farrar from Hloomfield, 
now Skowhegan, where he had been in trade, and 
opened a general store in what is now known as the 
Flynt liouse, built on Bryant's hill in 1811, and 
which is the oldest house in town. With the advent 
of Mr. Farrar Dexter, which had l>een incorporated 
the year previous, assumed a new lease of life and 
prosperity. Mr. Farrar being young, active, and 
possessed of some means, soon became aggressively 
identified with the town's industrial interests. He 
purchased the Elkins and Morse saw and carding 
nulls with all the water and other privileges per- 
taining thereto. He instituted many imi)rovements. 
and in 1820 disjjosed of the property to Jeremiah 
and Amos Abbott, who had emigrated thither from 
Andover, Mass. Under their enterprising manage- 



ment and that of their heirs and successors has de- 
veloped the present Abbott Woolen Company's 
l)lant. In the meantime, in 1818, Mr. Farrar had 
erected a grist mill, which subseipiently was oper- 
ated by James Jumper, Deacon Wetlierljee and Levi 
Williams, and at present is t>wned and operated by 
S. L. Small, though the present stru<-ture contains 
but little of the original construction timber, the 
building having been reconstructed several times. 
In 1828 Mr Farrar erected the tannery on Centre 
street, now a part of the Morrison Woolen Mills 
Conqiany's plant, the tannery being operated by 
Moses Chase, who in turn was succeeded by Eben 
Wyman, and later l)y the Shaws— (Miarles. Fayette, 
and Hrackley of Cunnuington, Mass., and still later 
by Charles Shaw & Sons, the tannery in later years 
becoming the property of its creditors. Later John 
L. Morrison acquired possession, in lilOl. Shoitly 
after the building of the tannery Samuel Baker 
erected a turning mill upon the oi)i)osite side of the 
stream from the tannery, which in 18:!!) was acquired 
by Farrar and Lysander Cutler, the latter having 
in 1828 come from Massachusetts an<l joined Mr, 
Farrar in his enterprises. Mr. Knowles, a well- 
known law>er, then built a mill upon the same 
stream, nearl> opposite the present brick mill, and 
not far fiom the saw mill jireviously built by 
Ebeneezer Small. Mr. Knowles leased the mill to 
Samuel Haker who used it as a saw mill. Later it 
was leased to Joseph Shepherd and Hiram Spooner, 
the latter subse((uently accjuiring a mill of his own 
at Spooner's Mills village, the mill at pi'e.sent being 
operated by his sous. The Knowles mill was later 
converted into a box mill by Reuben Flanders, who 
previous thereto had carried on the business of 
cabinet making on Main street, near the bend. The 
box nnll was destroyed by fire shortly after the war, 
though it had lain idle for some time, Mr. Flanders 
having removed to North Dexter where he operated 
a luml)er mill. Meanwhile Farrar and Cutler con- 
verted the Baker turning mill into a machine shop 
which was opei-ated by George Fitzgerald until 
1851, when he removed its equipment to the build- 
ing on Main street, near the present Dustin block, 
previously occupied by Wheeler and Bates as a 
shovel factory. Fitzgerald was succeeded by Na- 
thaniel Dustin, this with otlier buildings being 
swept out of existence by the fire of April 28, 188:!. 
In the late thirties Jeremiah and Amos Abbott 
erected a grist mill upon what is now known 
as Mill street, Sumner Shaw being for a long time 
miller thereof, and soon after Obed F'oss built a 
carding null across tlie street therefrom, which was 
later operated l>y Benjamin F. Durrell, this being 
followed by a foundry, built by the Fletchers of 
Skowhegan near the carding mill, which later be- 
came the property of Messrs. Jewett, Pennington 



thp: ea.stkrx gazette 



3 



ivncl Poss, and operated iiiidei- the title of (i. Jewett 
& Co. Mr. Foiss retired therofroiii in a year or .so to 
enter business for himself, the foundry sub.sequent- 
ly beeominfj the property of X^athaniel Dustin, Mr. 
Jewett goin^: to Aroostook. In 1846 the Alibott 
grist mill became the ]jroperty of Farrar and ( 'utier 
who converted it, by enlai'gement, into a woolen 
factory, since known as the white mill, the Foss 
carding mill being utilized as a picker house, and 
since its ac(|uiremeiit by the Morrisons used as an 
office and storehouse. 

The Woolen Industry. 

The manufacture of woolens, the chief indus- 
trial mainstay of Dexter, was inaugurated by the 
Abbotts — Jeremiah and .\mos — in 1830, the busi- 
ness thus established by them still continuing to 
flourish. In 1834 Farrar and Cutler erected a 
mill upon the site of the present Dumbarton mill, 
the former being destroyed by tire in January, 
1844, and replaced the same year by a two story 
stone structure, which imi)arted to it the title of 
the stone mill. Two years or so later Farrar and 
Cutler acijuired the grist null property of the 
Abbott Brothers, erected some ten years ijrevious, 
which by enlargement and remodeling was eon- 
verted into a woolen factory subseiiuently known as 
the white mill. In 1849 the brick mill, now the 
property of the Wassookeag Woolen Mills Co.. was 
built by Foss and Conant and ojjerated by .\. E. 
Conant & Co. In 18f)4 all the foregoing |)ro])erties 
were amalgamated by Farrar and Cutlei-. Husiness 
reversals enforced a transfer of these properties to 
Johnson and Sewall of Boston in 1857. the Dale 
Brothers being the i)ractical executives of this firm, 
who leased the amalgamated plant to Kichard W. 
Robinson who continued its operation until October, 
1863, when Ebeneezer Dale and his associates stepped 
in and reorganized its affairs under the title of the 
Dexter Woolen Mills ('omi)an\% R. W. Robinson be- 
ing made president tliereof. In 1867 two stories of 
wood were added to the stone mill and other im- 
provements instituted, and in 18811 I'arkman Dexter 
and A. F. Bi-adbury, who had foi- some years jjrior 
thei'eto officiated as corporation agent, and others 
assumed the management, I. G. Wright becoming 
president and R. S. Russell treasurer, the title re- 
maining intact. In 1898, these amalgamated proj)- 
erties having fallen into the hands of its bondhold- 
ers, became disintegrated, the stone mill being 
leased to the Penoljscot Woolen Co. of which S. S. 
Ireland and W. H. Abljott. two of Dexter's well- 
known business men, were president and ti'easurer, 
respectively. In 1903 the plant became the property 
of D. R. Campbell & Sons, and now known as the 
Dumbarton Woolen Mills. The white nnll was sold 
to the Morrison Woolen Mill ('niiipany, who cciu- 



tinue to operate it, and in 1899 D. H. Mudgett and 
his associates of the Wassookeag Woolen Mills Co. 
assumed the management of the brick mill, con- 
trolled by a few of Dexter's cai)italists under the 
title of the Union ("ompany. 

In addition to the foregoing Calvin Coijelaml, in 
1847, built and operated a woolen mill u|)on the site 
of the present Fay & Scott machine sho]) and whi<-h 
from 1860, until its destruction l)y fire in 1868, was 
operated at first by Campbell & Lynn, and later by 
D. R. Campbell alone. These several industrial en- 
terprises, to which might be added the Fay & Scott 
machine plant, the two creameries, Silver Lake and 
Enterprise, and the canning factories of the Port- 
land Packing Co., and F. H. Hayes of Dexter, which 
not only furnish employment to numerous hands 
during the canning season but are of incalculable 
advantage to the outlying agricultural comuninity, 
combined with rapidly increasing mercantile inter- 
ests, has brought Dexter to the fore in the com- 
mercial world. To the promoters and managers of 
these interests, past and present, is to be accredited 
a unanimity of spirit in enterprise and ])rogressive- 
ness rarely to be found in towns of like size. 

Olla Podrida. 

In 1803 the townshij) was surveyed into lots by 
Simeon Safl'ord, a settler, and in 1807 counnunica- 
tion with (xarland was opened by i)Ost road, which 
in 1816 had become an established highway. .\b(iut 
the same time a post road had Ijeen opened between 
Bangor, Dexter and Skowhegan, which subse- 
(piently became a government nuiil route. The Mist 
post office was estaljlished in 1818, the mail for the 
following ten years being transported by post riders, 
Lawrence Green being the first to perform thi:^ 
arduous service. 

In 1830 Dexter had attained a population of .")00. 
many clearings had been made in the one time vast 
wilderness, and Main street, with one or two tribu- 
taries, had become fairly well defined. .lonathaii 
Fai-rar was the ju-incipal merchant and also the 
postmaster. A saw mill, carding and fulling mill, 
tannery and gi-ist mill coniiirlsed tlif industrial 
features, John Bates, subsequently a trader, being 
the village "smithy." Shortly thereafter William 
Smith established a ferry across Silver pond, now 
known as Wassookeag lake. The ferry, in 1834, wa,s. 
replaced Ijy a floating bridge, this being sui)planted 
by the present permanent structure in 18(il. 

In 1830 the first hotel or tavern was o])ened by 
Benjandn Greene on the hill, and in 1834 John Bates 
opened a public house just around the bend on 
Main street. The Jiouse is still standing, though 
both taverns relinquished the business in a few 
years after their establishment. In 1834 Stephen 
Davis opened a licitelon Main street upon the site of 



thf; p:a8Terx (tAZEtte 



tlie Dustin block, which for a long time was coa- 
diieted by Jonas Wheeler, who in 1848 built and 
opened the Dexter House, located upon the Bank 
block .site. The Dexter House was for many years 
a very popular hostelry and at one time was eon- 
ducted l)y Eben Murch who subseciuently, in com- 
pany with .John (juimby, assumed the management 
of the 'DeWitt," in Lewiston. The Exchange, 



Bank block, and raised one story, the lower story 
being at present occupied by J. Willis Haines, trader 
and American Express agent, and Mrs. Bailey. In 
1838, Ijaurence Green, for ten years prior thereto 
mail post rider between Bangor and Dexter, estab- 
lished a mail and stage line between these points 
though the vehicles in use comprised almost any 
character of a trap that could l>e made available for 




MAIN strkp:t IX 1847 



fronting on Main. Wall autl iSiJring streets, was 
built by Loring D. Hayes in 1866, the plot upon 
which it stands having prior thereto been the prop- 
erty of Augustus French, at one time postmaster of 
Dexter, and one of the town's well known dry goods 
merchants. 

In 1874 the Dexter House was moved further along 
Main street, to make room for the erection of the 



the puri)ose, and the same can be said of the line 
established later between Dexter and Skowhegan. 

Early in the thirties John Favor began operating 
the stage line between Bangor and Dexter, placing 
a modern Troy coach thereon. This innovation at 
once met with popidar apijroval and patronage. 
Robert Sampson and later Hiram Saflford attended 
to the transportation of freight. Favor was sue- 



THE EASTEKX (GAZETTE 



ceeded by such well known and iKiiiuliir "whips" as 
Dennis Pullen, 8i Washljiirn, John Smith and Jerry 
McDonald, the latter, still living in Han{<or, in coni- 
liany with Walter Smith, previons to his con<hictinfj- 
of the Hanfior line, having operated the line between 
Dexter and Skowhej^an. Still later, in the 4ll"s, 
Jerry Scribner established a line between Water- 
ville and Monson, suljseqiiently extended to Moose- 
head Lake, which shortly after its installation be- 
came a U. 8. mail route. Scribner was succeeded 
by Jason Norris and later by Wni. Fryes. Both this 
and the Bangor line were discontinued shortly after 



The Dexter KiHes was orfiani/.ed in l«;i4 by Lysan- 
der ('ntler, who comiuanded the company until 
18:^7. The company jiai ticipated in the Aroostook 
war of 1839 and later disbanded. Co. C.SndRegt. 
M. N. (t., was organized in 1881. and during its ten 
years existence attained an unexcelled reputation 
for marksmanship, having won various individual 
and team trophies, and a company silk flag, the lat- 
ter in comj)etition with other companies at the State 
muster. Apart from peaceful military service many 
of Dexter's earlier settlers particii)ated in the war 
of 1812, and 288 of its citizens were enrolled in the 









I'liKKT IN I'.IIM 



the opening of the railroad li'imi Waterville to Ban- 
gor in 185.5, at which time Samuel Cushman estab- 
lished an acconnuodation line between Dexter and 
Newport, while Morrison and Hunting operated a 
day line of Concord coaches between Newport and 
Moosehead Lake, Gardner Sturtevant, Jerry Paige, 
and others attending to the trucking of freight. 
All of the old time transportation methods have 
given way to <|uick transit by the railway opened 
from Newport to Dexter in ISHi, and to Dover in 
1890. with the prosi)eet of an electric line fi-oni T)e\- 
ter to Bangor in the near future. 



various arms of service in the late civil war. while 
practically a dozen responded to the call for volun- 
teers during the S|>anish-American trouble. As a 
fitting climax a handsome monument in commem- 
oration of those who gave their lives in defence of 
their country during the war of 61-5 decorates the 
library park. From a population of 500 in 1830, the 
town has grown to a population of over 3000 inhabi- 
tants, with 852 polls and a valuation of f 1,030,188, 
the latter having nearly tlirebled within the past 
half century. 

Dexter is fortitied with all the moilern improve- 



THE EASTERN (+AZKTTE 



iiients, im-luiliii^' exeellfnt schools, water, fire de- 
partment and electric litflit systems, and has under 
way, and partially completed, a most thorough and 
comprehensive sewer system. There are eight 
churches, two banks — National and Savings — a 
Trust Company, Loan and Kuilding Association and 
one of the best public libraries in the State. There 
are organized branches of all the leading secret 
bodies, social and fraternal, and a business men's 
club occui)ying suuijituous (|uarters that are second 
to none within Maine's liorders. 

Town Affairs. 

Dexter was named in honor of Samuel Dexter of 
Massachusetts and was incorporated June 17, 1816, 
its first town meeting being held in the August fol- 
lowing, Andrew Mor.se being moderator thereof. 
Its subseqvieut conventions were held either in the 
SafCord district school house or at the residence of 
some one of the fathers of the town until the erec- 
tion of the school building in 182i, on Main street, 
which was utilized for town purposes until the erec- 
tion of a two story Town hall building in 1836. on 
the hill, which was partially devoted to school pur- 
poses. The first town meeting was held therein 
March 13, 1837. At the town meeting held March 
18, 1850, the interior of the building collapsed, caus- 
ing a momentary panic, though no one was sei'ious- 
ly injured. The building was condemned and sub- 
sequently ijurchased by the Abbotts and moved to 
their plant where it was i-emodeled and answers 
the purpose of an ofRee and storehouse. 

The present two-story structure was erected ujion 
the same site of the |)revious Town hall in 18-")T. It 
was thoroughly overhauled and remodeled in ISTT. 
and in 1902 further improved by the addition of a 
gothie portico fronting the park and a general re- 
finishing of the interior. The main floor is divided 
hito a banquet hall with connecting kitchen, office 
for the use of the water board, and a convenient 
lockup in the rear. Upon the floor above, reached 
by wide, easy stairways at the right and left, is the 
hall proper, circled by a gallery upon three sides, 
with private boxes bordering the proscenium of a 
fully scene etiuipped stage, which with ample dress- 
ing rooms occupies the rear end of the building. 
The hall is lighted by electricity and acetylene gas 
and will comfortably seat 700 jiersons. The seats 
are readily removed whenever occasion demands. 

The present official roster of the town is com- 
l)rised in E. J. Sturtevant, Andrew Hi'awn and .-\t- 
wood J. Cobb as its Hoard of Selectmen: .1. Willis 
Haines, town clerk; Charles D. Roberts, treasurer; 
Edwin Bunker, collector; M. 1). Russell, road com- 
missioner ; Samuel Eldridge, town agent and S. S. 
Watson, supt. of cemetHries. 



Fire Department. 

Dexter's fire deijartuient is comprised of two hand 
tubs of the Button manufacture and a Hunneman 
machine the former being located in the town 
projierantl the latter at Spooner's Mills, each being 
nuiinied b\' a comi)any of forty men. In addition 
thereto are two indei>endent hose companies of 
fifteen men each and hook and ladder truck to 
which is attached a comi>any of twenty men, all of 
which are undei- the direct charge of a Board of 
Engineers, comi)risiug Leslie Curtis as chief ;' Forest 
Lincf)ln, first assistant and .James Mountain as sec- 
ond. The api)aratus is all in first class condition, 
comfortably housed, and the department is su|)plied 
with about 3,000 feet of 2 1-3 inch rubber lined hose. 

The first fire engine was installed in Dexter in 
183(3, being followed in 1873 by a hook and ladder 
truck and in 1875 by the the two Button machines. 

Prioi- to the introduction of the water works in 
1003, fire protection was afforded the business and 
a portion of the residential section by iron pipes 
laid in the principal thoroughfares, with hydi-ants 
attached, through which water was forced by 
fire pumps connected with the W'Oolen mill i)lants, 
the first fire pump being installed through pul)lic 
subscription and attached to Small's grist mill. 
Owing to these excellent precautions fires have been 
of infre(|uent occurrence and rarely has a fire spread 
outside of the l)uilding in which it originated. 

The principal fires of late years com|)rise that of 
Ajiril 23, 1883, when a numl:)er of structuivs were 
burned on Main street Ijelow the Dustin block ; the 
High school luiildingon School street, Dec. 17, 1887 ;. 
the Eldridge Brothers planing mill, March 20, 
1888; the Shepherd & Wheeler carriage repository 
on Cliurch street. March 35, 1805, and the Hank 
block, .Jan. 17, 18!i(!. 

Water Service. 

Dnxter has a nuist excellent system ot water 
works, installed in the fall of 1003, under the direc- 
tion of a special town committee chosen for the pur- 
pose. Water is taken from Silver jjond, which after 
being thoroughly screened is forced by a Dean pump 
of 30,000 gallons capacity per hour, through a twelve 
inch nuiin into a reservoir of 500,000 gallons capaci- 
ty, located on Ayer's hill, 338 feet above tide water. 
At present there has been lain 17.334 feet of six-inch, 
0,070 feet of eight-inch, 1,406 feet of ten-inch and 
1,833 feet of twelve-inch ujains, with a siip]ily pijie 
of 4,907 feet 

There ai'e at present upwards of 80 services in use, 
with 07 fire hydrants scattered about the town, the 
average pressure being 100 pounds to the square 
inch. The system is in charge of Messrs. I). H. 
Mudgett, S. ]j. Snuill and W. H. .Tudkins as watei- 



/a 



■vv^ 



TH 



k EAf 



ASTERN GAZETTE 



coiiiiiufisioiiers. 
tendeiit. 



ami WaltHi' (icirdoi 



Schools. 



1 MS SlUiHl-lll- 



Tlie school .system of DfXter is, and always has 
been, a pride to its townsneople, and its general 
efficiency can be ascribed to the indefatigable 
efforts of its several school boards and supervisors, 
aiixiliarized by a staff of competent instructors. 
The i)resent school board conijirises Dr. W. A. 
Bumps, as chairman, W. L. Fay and F. (). .\dditon. 

Dexter's scliool annals are somewhat indefinite. 



inj; on School street. This huildinji- was partially 
destroyed by fire Jan. iH, 18^1, and was at once re- 
paired and reiuodeled, but Dec. 17. 1887, was totally 
destroyed by fire, involviuK a loss of -tSOOO. It was 
succeeded the following year by the present hand- 
some edifice on Spring street, erected at a cost of 

#r2,nno. 

Including the High school there are four school 
buildings within the village proper and ten rural 
school structures, tlieaiiproximate numl)er of pui)ils 
being 700, divisioned into High, Grammar, Inter- 
mediate. Primary and sub-Primar>- grades, with a. 







P"t 




HF'' - i.a.wHH 





I'LK.XSANT S'rRKKT SCHOOI- BriliDI.NG 



though tradition holds that the first school building 
was erected in 1807, near the residence of Simeon 
Safford. and that in 1817 the town was divisioned 
into five school districts. 

In 182:.' a substantial school building was erected 
ui)on Main street, on the site of the present law 
building of (!rosby & Crosby, the building for many 
years being utilized for town conventions. For a 
long time High school sessions were held in the old 
Town hall on the hill, but the collapse of that 
structure in ISoti necessitated a change, resulting in 
the erection of a High and (Trammar school l)uild- 



cori>s of twenty instructors, inclusive of the princi- 
pal of the Hi'.'li sciiool. 

Abbott I/ibrary. 

Practically miilwax the [larU, bounded by iMain. 
Churchand IMeasaiit streets, backed by an heroicme- 
morial commemorative of the valor of those Dexter- 
ites who gave their lives in defence of their country 
during the civil war. and flanked by grim looking 
cannon, relics also of the late unpleasantness, 
stands the Abbott Memorial Library, the gift of 
and a lasting tribute to the memory of the late 



8 



THE EASTERN (itAZETTE 



George A. Abljott, son of the lute Amos Abbott, one 
of the founders of the Amos Abbott Woolen Com- 
pany, with which tlie former was identified for 
many vears. 











W:J^ 






t 





OiKOKGK A. ABBOTT 

The library building, of somewhat massive ap- 
pearance externally, was erected in 1898 at a cost of 
$30,000 to its donor, in addition to which he be- 
queathed the income of tl^OOO set apart for its care. 
The building stands practically upon the site for- 
merly occupied by the residence of the late Dr. (t. 
M. Burleigh, Dexter' s whilom postmaster. 

The structure is one story in height, built of cream 
tinted pressed brick with granite foundations and 
trimmings, the cornice intersections lieing emljla- 
zoned with the names of illustrious authons of classic 
prose and poetry of old. An ascent of broad granite 
steps leads through an arched entrance into a tile 
floored storm vestibule, to the left of which is a 
commodious apartment assigned to the use of the 
selectmen, with a smaller apartment opposite for 
.janitorial use, while heavy oaken doors open into a 
gothic library hall beyond. The book department, 
extending to the rear, is divisioned from the audi- 
ence hall by an elalxirate latticed counter facing the 
entrance. To the right of the main hall is a memo- 
rial parlor and trustees room, the walls adorned 
with many handsome works of art, including a life- 
sized oil portrait of Lincoln, the martyred president, 
encased in a heavy gilt frame, the gift of the late 
Mrs. Cyrus Foss. Across from this memorial parlor 
is a commodious reading and waiting room stocked 
with the leading weekly and monthly publications. 
The interior wood work, inclusive of the flooring, 
is of natural hard wood finish, with tinted walls in 
harmony therewith, and altogether it is one of the 
finest library buildings in the State. 

The library contains 7300 volumes beside many 
valuable works of reference available only within 
the premises. The library is in charge of Miss Lizzie 



Springall as librarian, under the supervision of a 
Board of Trustees comprising H. 8. Dole, president, 
C. M. Sawyer, secretary and Rev. .1. (j. Fisher, A. 
A. Springall and F. D. Dearth. 

The present library is the outcome of a cin-ulat- 
ing library supi>orted by borrowers and established 
in 1867. In 1881 this was merged into a free library 
and for a time was located in different quarters on 
Main street. In 1895 it was transferred to the Town 
hall from whence it was removed to its present 
quarters. 

Post Office. 

Tlie Dexter post office, since 187(3 occupying the 
west end of the street floor of the Bank Ijlock on Main 
St., isamodel of neatness and its convenience regard- 
ing public accessibility and general mailing facilities 
could hardly be bettered. With the exception of 
Sunday, six mails daily are received and the same 
number despatched to and from all points by rail, 
in addition to which there are two rural free deliv- 
ery routes, covering a territory averaging twenty- 
three miles each, with two star routes embracing 
the towns of North Dexter, Cambridge, Ripley, 
Garland and Exeter at this office, involving the ser- 
vices of two assistants in the handling and expedit- 
ing of mail matter. 

Dexter's first post office was established in 1818 
and located in what is now known as the Flynt 
house, at that period located nearly oi)posite the 
head of Free street. Jonathan Farrar was post- 
master and the mail to and from Bangor anil, inter- 
mediate points was transported on horseback, 
Laurence Green being the first post rider. Ten years 
later a nuiil stage line was established between 
Bangor and Dexter, followed later by lines to Skow- 
hegan and Waterville, these being in later years 
su|)planted by railway mail service. Succeeding' 
Mr. Farrar as postmaster was Dr. G. M. Burleigh, 
the office being located in his I'esidence, then loca- 
ted where now stands tlie library building. Dr. 
Burleigh was followed by Augustus French, who 
removed the office to his store on Main street, on 
the corner of what is now Wall street, he being suc- 
ceeded by George Hamilton, Nathaniel Dustin, Col. 
H. L. Wood, umler whose administration the office 
was raised to the presidential grade. Dr. Simeon 
Mudgett, D. H. Mvidgett, Nathan Roberts, E. H. 
Chase, and Freeman 1). Dearth, whose appnint- 
ment dates from Julv 1st. lyOO. 




THK KASTKKN H.VAKTVK 



The Churches and Pastors of Dexter 



Methodist Episcopal. 

TliH iletliodist Ejjisfopal .sciciety is rlie oldt^st of 
tlie several religious ilenoiuiiiations in Dexter, bav- 
in;^ lieen organized in 18::2 l)y Rev. Melville B. (dx. 
suijsequently a missionary to Liberia, where lie 
died. The society was an offshoot of the Exeter lir 
euif, organized four years prior thereto by Kev. 
Benjamin .lones of the New England Conference. 
In in:)4 the Methcidists and Hai)tists Imilt a union 
church. In 1S4() the Baptists disposed of theii' 



making a total seating capacity of (jOO. There^are 
at present \~)2 members, with a Sabbath school 
rising 14i( scholars, and an Epworth League of (iO 
members. Its board of trustees comprises 'S. M. 
Leigbron. president: < '. M. tsawyer, secretary and 
trcMsurei-: W. H. Curtis, cai'e taker: H. B. Haskell, 
pastor and collector: Llewellyn ('opelaud. Nathan 
Daggett, II. A. Johnson. A.. J. Kuowles. (i. W. Marsh 
a,nil H. E. Tibbetts. 

Kev. H. B. Haskell, pastor of the Methodist Epis- 
copal ehurcli, is a native of North X'assalboro and is 




.MKTHdDIS'r KI'ISCOP.XL CHIKCH 



rights to the Congregationalists. who. in is4(i. erect- 
ed a house of worship of their own. the Jlethodists 
aeciuiring the chapel for their own use. In 18711 the 
chapel was enlarged and remodeled, and in 1K!,!I was 
entirely snpjdanted l)y the present handsome edi- 
fice, corner of Main and School streets, which was 
conqileted and dedicated .January '.28th, IJKHI. The 
interior of the structure is finished in polished hard 
wood, with a wide, deep chancel, in the rear of 
wliieh is a church organ of the most approved type, 
to tlie right and left of which is a pastor's study and 
reception rooms resijectively. The auditorium will 
seat 400 pel-sons, with the vestry opening therein and 



the son of the late Kev. C. L. Haskell o( the Ea.st 
Maine Conference. The subject of this sketch was 
educated in the public school and Viy private tutor- 
age, graduating from the East Maine Conference 
Seminary in 18!t:3. He was also an attendant of the 
Kii-ker <'lassical Institute at Houlton, the Drew 
Tlie<ilogical Seminary at Madison. N. ,J., and studied 
with Tavlor I'niveisit.v of Indiana, where he ob- 
tained the degree of Ph. B. In 18i»4 he joined the 
East Jlaine Conference, and in 1S!I(; received his 
first ordination at the hands of Bishop Merrill of 
('hicago in ()lilt(]wn. Subsequently be attended 
till- N I iitIi western I' iii versify of Chicago, graduating 



10 



THK KASTKKX (iAZl/l'TK 




liKV. H H. H \>K)';i.l. 

fruiii it^ tlit'iiloiiiciil (Ippai-tiUHiit in IMIMI, and was 
ortlained as Kklor uf tlie JletlKidist Ki)isci>|>al 
church by Bishoi) MallalifU, of Boston, at Belfast 
in IflOO, and assumed his |)resent chai-jfe in Septeni- 
hei" tile same yea r. 

First Baptist. 

Tlie First Bai)tist cliurcli of l)e\ter is practieally 
an offslioot of the ParliUian Baptist soeiet\, and 
was organized Mareh 1(i. IH'io, and in December the 
same year hecauie an independent societj'. Elder 
Jacol) Hatch Ijein^' tlie first jiastor. Calvin Copeland, 
clerl\, and Levi Morrill, deacon. The present meet- 
ing: house, on the corner of Main and Free streets. 
was erected in 18;!!l. and thorouf>hly renovated in 18HH. 
the parsonagre in connection therewith beint; erected 
in 18!l~). In liKKi extensive repairs were made on the 
interior of the church, as also the ))arsonage. The 
present church roster coni])rises Rev. Henry B. 
Woods as pastor; Jeremiah Knox, A. F. Mower and 
L. M. Haseltine. deacons; Mrs. .Jesse Kimball, clerk; 
FA\a, J. Mower, financial secretary; Jlrs. Thomas A. 
Cliaiiiiler. treasurer; Mrs. A. H. Fassett. su])er- 
intendeiit of benevolence. The church membership 
is about 150, with some 48 non-residents, and a Sab- 
bath school of 148, (xeorffe A. Smart beins;: sujierin- 
tendent thereof. 

First Universalist. 

The First Universalist society was founded Sep- 
tember •JSd. 1H28. Rev. Wm, Frost beiiij^ first pastor 
thereof. In luili a churcli edilice, tlie first in the 
town, was erected on (Jluirch street, the lot uijon 
which it .stands, one of the most prominent in town, 
and douhlv so since the erection of the .Abliott Me- 



morial lilirarx acl.joinin;;-. Iieiii^r the fiift of .lonathaii 
Farrar. one of its early jiarishioiiers. In IMl'.i the 
structure was remodeled and refitted at an e\peiise 
of *10.(I(HI. and in 18!I7 further improvements were 
made, a handsome parsonajre on Maple street hav- 
inyr l)een erected in the mean time, in 18111. Many 
of the most prominent and influential families of 
Dexter have been, and are at present, identified with . 
this societv, iiicludiiiy' those of Messrs. Farrar. .\b- 




KIIIST r M VKltSA LIST rHriiCH 

bott. Coolidffe. Bates, French. Burleigh. l>ustin. 
Shaw. Foss. Carr. Mudgett. (Jrockett. and many 
others. The interior of the present edifice is fin- 
iiished in polished hard wo(jd of light effects, the 
auditorium having a seating <'apacity of some 500. 
with a vestry in connection. About 125 families are 
represented within the parish, with a church mem- 
bershi]) of !I0. and a Sabbath school of rising one 



T 1 1 !•: K A S T K K \ ( t A Z K T T K 



U 



liiindrHil atteinlaiits. 'I'lii- |iiirisli m-naiiization is 
offii-ially coiiiiiiised of Dana ('ruckerr as cliainiiau, 
A. P. Abbdtr. clpik, ami Dr. J. W. Sawyer, treas- 
urer, with a parish coiiiiuittee comix ise<l of Dana 
• 'roekett, A. P. .\bhott, J. VV. Sprin^all. Charles 
Morse and ( 'harles (i. Towle: Jliss Mary }^. Jiamil 
ton l>einu; sei-retary of tlie ehnrch oi-^anization, witli 
Kh\. W. H. <T(.nl(l as pastor, and Mrs. A, H. Orock- 
etr, snperintendent of Sunday scliool. Connected 
uirli the church is the Y. }>. C. U.. of which Miss 
Inez. Dustin is president, and Abljie H. Hamilton, 
secretary, and a Ladies" Aid society, of whicli Mrs. 
W. H. Carr is president, and Jlrs. 'I'. H. H. I'ii-rci- is 
secretary. 




HKV. \v. H. m>ri,n 

Hev. W. II. (ioiild, pastoi- of the De\tei- rni\ersal- 
ist church, was born in Jay. Maine. .June l.")th. lS(i4. 
ac(]uiring' his education in the public school and 
Westbrook seminary, graduatin": from the latter in 
1881. He then entered Tufts college, of Somerville, 
Massachusetts, from whence he graduated in 188"), 
and from thence attended the tlieological tlepart- 
ment of the same institution, graduating in 1888. 
During the last year of his theological course he oc- 
cupied tile pulpit of the Xatick, Massaehusett.s, 
Universalist church, of which he was ordained 
l>astor at the close of his college course, remaining 
therewith until ISIIU, since which period he has l)een 
identified with his present charge. In addition to 
his pastoral duties Mr. <TOuld is president of the 
Universalist State Sunday School convention. He 
is also past high priest of St. John's Chapter, Royal 
Arch Masons, and past noble grand of Plymouth 
Lodge. I. (). (). I\ 

Episcopal. 

The Church of the ^lessiali, or what is better 
known as the Kpiscopal church, was organized in 
1866 Rev. N. L Briggs being the first rector. In 



18(i 
ed. 

is: 

gus 

by 

chu 

tioi 

Kl( 

tin 

ler 

no 



I. the present edilice on Spring street was erect- 

tlie (ii-st service being held therein JLirch Hth. 
.'. anil in is;; an organ was placed therein. .\u- 
t ■,'4tli. 1887. the church was formally consecrated 

Hisho]) Xealy. .Among the rectors of this 
ircli. other than those noted, should be men- 

ed Reverends Charles T. Ogden, A. M. Terris, 

hard Price, Thomas Marsden, William I). Mar- 

tieoige S. Hill, Joseph S. Colton, I,. W. Fow- 

and W. D. Dale. At present the church has 
settled re<'tor. 



First Congregational. 



The First Congregational church of De.xter was 
organized l)y Ecclesiastical Council. .July 'ilid, 1834. 
with tile veueral)le .Tohn Sawyer as moderator. The 
society worshipped in other churches, latterly the 
Methodist chapel, until 1846, when the society 
erected its own chapel, which latter was sujiplanted 
by the present edifice on Spring street, which was 
completed and dedicated July Tth. 1886, Rev. Smith 
Haker preaching the dedication sermon, the society, 
in the meantime, in 1847, having been incori)orated. 
There are some seventy families represented in the 
parish, with a church membershi]) of sixty. The 
Saljliath school numbers seventy-five, of which 
Timothy Crowther is superintendent. The church 
organization is composed of Mrs. Belle M. Foss as 
clerk; Charles S. Hutchinson, treasurer: F. W. 
Barker, auditor. The church committee is com- 
prised of Deacons P. .1. Abbott, Augustus Cum- 
mings and Timotl)\ Crowther, with J. Willis i 'ros- 
by, (xeijrge Slate?' and (Talen Ramsev constituting 




l!KV. .1. G. FrSHKI! 

the piirish connuittee. Connected with the society 
is a Ladies' Aid, of which Mrs. C. S. Hutchinson is 
president, the Y. P. S. C. E., of which Mrs. Belle M. 
Foss is secretary, and a .junior society of oO mem- 
bers. The interior of the church is handsomely 
linished. the auditorium seating about 'MHK 



12 



THK EASTERN (tAZETTE 



Rev. JaiiiHS (i. Fislinr, pastor of the First ('oij<;re- 
jrational cliiin-li of Dexter, is a native of Eiveriiiore. 
Maine, and was educated in the public schools. 
Haviuf^ later ac(|uired a business training he went 



Free Baptist. 



The Free Bapti.st society of Dexter was oryani/eil 
..c^w.f^ .,o>v. c.v,, «..^^. i- .-..o...^.,., ^.>..,....^ .... ..V... May :!, It'lill, by an Ei-clesiastical Council. ii>ni|iris 

to Boston, where for ten years he was eriKiiK^fl ft'* ^ '"K Reverends N. F. We.vnioiith, A. L. (jei-rish. )i. 
bookkeeper and paymaster for one of the corpora- S. (Tcn-y, O. W. Hridf^es and A. P. Tracy, the latter 
tions under the inanageuient of ('. A. E. Ewing A: beconiin;;- the first pastor, with fifteen charter niein- 
(lo. Subse(|ueiitly he entered rhe Hanf,'i>r Tlieolo^- bers. The tour years following' the societ.v wor- 




KIKST CONKliKGATIOXAI, CHIKCn 



ical seminary, t;railuatini;- th.Tefroni in lb8!t. He 
was called to the i>astorate of the ( 'ong-res'ational 
church in Dexter in .July the same year, and or- 
dained as its pastor September intli following. Mr. 
Fisher is a member of the board of trustees of the 
Abbott Memorial library, and is chaplain of the St. 
.Iohn".s ChaiJter, Royal Arch Masons. 



sliijipi'd ill the ( 'ongrHgational cliurcli, a nil iji 1S74 
the present church on Siiring street was coiujileted. 
being dedicated in Septenjber. 1876. Rev. F. H. 
Peckha.ni i]reaching the dedication sermon. The 
original cost of the edifice was rising 4^:l.(l(l(i which, 
with additions and ' improvements from time to 
time, has resulted, in the aggregate, to soniHthing 



THE KASTEKN (4AZKTTK 



IS 




FHK.K BAPTIST (HrUCH 




l!K,V. I. 1.. SAM>KI! 



over *S.0()0, the cliurcli 1)eiiiK freed frmii (lel>r in 
1888. The soeiety has n uieiiibei-shii) nf aliciir !mi, 
iiieUidhig several nonresidents, with a parish iiieni- 
bership representintr some twenty families and a 
Sabbath seh.M,! ,,f over W. ,,ver which L. H. Folsom 
acts as superintendent. (Cnnected with thechnreh 
soeietv is a Ladies' Aid. A. F. C K. .soeiety and 
Wonians Missionary Auxiliary, Miss S. A. Bra-don 
being- president of the first named, F. B. Arnold the 
seeond an<l Mrs Lydia Bridges the latter. The 
ehureh officials are at present comprised in Rev. J. 
1, Sanders as pastor; deacons, John 1-ary and T. O. 
Farrar the latter also clerk; Jliss S. A. Bra«don. 
assistant clerU an.l treasurer: W. E. Brew.ster. ^^ . 
(' Elder and F. H. ArnoUl, trustees. 

Rev .1 1.. Sander.s, pastor <.f the Free Baptist 
church of Dexter, was born in Swanville, Maine, 
February 28, 1868. He acquired an elementary ed- 
.ication "in the district school, supi.leniented by a 
public and High school education in Lowell. Massa- 
chusetts, whither he moved at an early age. gradu- 
ating from the High school in 18811. After two years 



14 



THK EASTERN (tAZ-ETTR 



of busiiiesjs life in oi>iiiifcrii>ii witli the l,a\vreiice 
JIaiiufaeturiiig coiiipauy of Lowell, he jmrsued his 
studies in the?s^e\v Hampshire ( 'onference seminary, 
graduating from its three years medical prepara- 
tory course in 18il4. Fioni thence he entered the 
Cobb llivinity school in connection with Hates col- 
lege of Lewiston, and was graduated in the class of 
1897. Entering the ministry, he was called to the 
pastorate of the Free Baptist clini'ch of Lake View, 
Pennsylvjuiia. in A]ii-il. IsiiS. ,-11111 was ordained as 



ing held by reverend fathers assigned theieto at 
stated i)eriods in the church on High street, erected 
in 187(>. In the year named above the De.xter parish 
was created and Rev. Fr. P. E. Bradley became its 
pastor until 1895, when the present jjastor. Rev. Fr. 
John AV. Houlihan, assumed charge of the Dexter 
parish, his jni-isdiction also embracing Dcjver, San- 
gerville and Monson. Under the hitter's jiastorship 
the parish has perceptibly increased i]i iirosjierity 
an<l nipnilicrshi|i. the latter i-epresenting upward of 




ST. ANNK S CVTHOLIC CHriiCIl 



pastor thei'eof ,fiU.v '24th of the same year. In the 
fall of 1891 he became pastor of the How Lake Free 
Hai)tist societ.v of Stratford, New Hampshire, re- 
maining until January 12th, 1!I04, when he became 
pastor of the Dexter societv. 

St. Anne's Catholic Society. 

I'rior to 189:j the St. Anne's ("atholic society of 
De.xter was embraced within the jurisdiction of 
Waterville, Fairfield and Skowdiegan, services be- 



one hundred families, with a Sabbath school of one 
hundred scholars between the ages of six and four- 
teen. In 1902 the present handsome edifice was 
erected on the corner of Free and (>nter streets, 
one of the most connuanding sites in the town . The 
church i.s of Gothic design, and with its two towers 
and (Tothic jKirtico presents a handsome front. The 
Iniilding is in the form of a cross, the two arms en- 
closing a vestry and chajjel. The interioi- of the 
etlilice is linished in polished hard woods, the oil- 



TIIK KASTKKN GAZKT'I'K 



15 



tiiiteil wiiiiiscdttiii^r and cpiliuy liariiioiii/iii^' tlinre- 
with. Tlie statuary and stations of the cross syni- 
liolic of Catholicity are all of special iiiiixjrtatioii. 
The church is not only an architeetuial ornament 
to the town but a credit to its parishioners. 

Rev. Pr. Houlihan was hoi'n in Banfjor, Fel). I:!, 
IHTl. and was educated in its pul)lic a,n<l llifj:li 



schools and was f;i-adnat>'cl froin rln' Hol\- Cross col- 
lege of Worcester in 18!tl. He suhseipiently attend- 
ed the (irand tSeminary of I,aval University of 
Montreal, and the St. Sulpice Seminary of Paris. 
Sraduatinx from the latter in 18!M. For fourteen 
months prior to cominji: to De.xter, he was curate of 
the Cjitholii- clinrch of Old Town. Alaine. 



Sketches of Leading Professional Men 



Crosby & Crosby. 

The oldest law tirm in Dexter at the present time 
is that of Crosby and (jrosby, father and son, occu- 
pying a (toiinuodious ofllice building on lower Main 
street nearl.v opposite the stone mill and jiractically 
upon the site of the first school Ijuilding of inipor 
tance erected by the town in \Si'2, the ha,nds<ime 
colonial residence of the tirm cre.sting the shad.v 
slope in the rear thereof. Hon. .losiah Crosby, 
senior memi)er of the firm, was born in Dover, N. 
N., Nov. '.ii, 181(1, his |)arents removing to Atkinson, 
Me., four .vears later. He lifted for college in the 
Foxcroft Academy, later entering Howdoin. from 
whence he graduated in |S:!.") receiving the degree 
of A. M. in I8:1S. He read law with Alfred .lolui- 



■ia SMfe. ^ aa*iaB^.^- 



^ 




tliirt.v -seven years he was modei-at(U- of De.xter's 
town meetings, was a meud)er of the legislatures of 
18:»7-8. and 18(1"), and member of the senate in 1807-8, 
the latter year as president of that body. He 
was a i)ioneer in the promotion of the Dexter and 
>.'ewi>ort R. R. and was one of its directors and 
counsel therefor for many years. He is a director 
of the First National HanU. counsel for the Savings 
Hank, and for many .vears a member of the Board of 
Overseers of Howdoin College. He is also a mem- 
ber of the Maine Bar Association, and one of its 
original adherents. Mr. Crosby has travelled ex- 
tensively and in 1887 visited (rreat Britain. 

His son, .1. Willis Ci-osby, was Ijorn in Dexter, 
Mav '^!), 18l!0, ac(|uiriiig his education in the public 
and High schools, graduating from the latter in 




HON. .KISIAII ClKlsBY 



.1. WIl.l.lS (KUSHY 



son of Belfast, Frederic Hobbs of Bangor and 
Charles P. Chandler of Dover, with whom he asso- 
ciated in practice upon his admission to the bar of 
the Supreme Judicial Court in Piscata(|uis Coun- 
tv. in Sept. 18;>8. Six months later he entered prac- 
tice in Kenduskeag. coudng from thence to E.xe- 
ter and to Dexter in 184.-|. Mr. Crosby has en.joyed 
along and honcjrable career in legal life, his acu- 
nienic talent having gained him distinguished con- 
sideration in the halls of .iustice, and quite a few of 
his renditions of the law have become a part of the 
legal history of the State. Politically he has been 
frei|Uentl\- honored )>> his constituents. For 



1878, anti also a graduate of Bowdoin College of the 
class of 1882. He read law with his father and was 
admitted to the Penobscot County bar in I880, and 
to the United States Circuit court in 1800. He is a 
member of the Maine Bar Association, the Republi- 
can town committee, is Secretary of the Penobscot 
Count.v Committee, and was chairuum thereof for 
two years. Like his distinguished senior he has 
acquired a legal acumen and dijilomatic tact that 
has secured himself and firm business and pojjii- 
laritv. They have one of the best iirivate law libra- 
ries in Eastern Maine, which they take pride in 
keepinii' up to date. The lirm enqiloy Miss Winslow. 



Ki 



THE EASTERN (tAZETTE 



an experieiice'cl sreii(iK''iirli'"i'- ''i"' the iiitice is 
e(|iiiiiiipcl witli liiii'^- <lisriiiice telephcuie. 

Postmaster Dearth. 

Freeman I). Dearth, Dexter's present efficient 
postmaster, was appointed to that position in July 
1000, his infuml)ency tliereof having thus far given 
general satisfaction. Mr. Dearth, wlio is an attor- 
ney by ijrofession, witli v.^ry <'i>iivenient offices in 
the Blethen bnihling opposite the post office, was 
born in Sangerville, April IG, 1801, and was educated 
in the public schools with a college preparatory 
course in tlie Foxeroft Academy and the JIaine Cen- 
tral Institute at Pittstield, graduating from tlie 
ornier in 1881, and tlie hitter in 188H. From thence 




F. I>. nKAii'i'H 

he entered Bowdoin College graduating therefrom 
in 1887. Three years later he entered government 
service in the jxist office dei>artnient, and at the 
same time read law with Messrs. Crosby and Crosby 
of Dexter, and was admitted to the Penobscot liar 
in 18!)6, at which time he entered practice foi- him- 
self. Mr. Dearfli i> one of Dexter's public spirited 
citizens and has been somewhat prominent in local 
affairs, having been chairman of the school board 
and at present is a director of the First National 
Bank, and a member of the Boai-d of Trustees of 
Al)1)Ott Jlemoriiil Lil)rMr\-. 

Dr. W. A. Bumps, 

Physician and surgeon, witli offices in the Dustin 
block, was born in Milo, Me., April 2(i. IHoG, becom- 
ing a resident of Bangor in 1808, where he obtained 
an education in the public and High schools, grad- 
uating from the latter in 1870. From thence he at- 
tended the University of Maine, from whence he 
graduated in 187ri, and from which institution a few 
years later the doctor acipiired the degree of Master 
of Sciences. Subseiiuently he entered the medical 
department of Bow<loiii College, and from thence 



attended the I'liiversity of N. Y., graduating from 
the latter in 188.'), and is a post graduate of the same 
institution. The doctor has also taken a sjiecial 
course in the N. Y. Eye and Ear Infirmary. He 
came to Dexter in 187o, and in the interim jirior to 
entering practice in 188.1, and still a student, was a 
teacher in the (Trammar school for two years, and a 
year and a half in the High school. For thirteen 
years Dr. Humjis was connected with the ;M. N. (t., 
first as an assistant surgeon of the Jd lleginient, 
being shortly advanced to the position of surgeon, 
and later for many years was acting meilical <lirec 
tiM-of the iiiilitiM. The doctor has always been iu- 




Dli. W. A. HIMP.S 

terested in eilucational matters, havinu iu'en tor 
two years superintendent of schools, aed foi the 
past four years chairman of the school hoard. He 
is a member of the Maine Medical Society, and of 
the Piscata(|uis Medical As.sociation, as also a mem- 
ber of the Jlaiue Academy of Medicine anil Science, 
and for several years was a memlier of Dexter's 
Board of Health. 

Dr. F. :E. Burgess. 

The subject of this sketch. Dr. F. K. Burgess, 
clairvoyant and magnetic physician, with offices at 
:!0 Main St., is a native of Dover, Me. He was edu- 
cated in its public schools and Foxeroft Academy. 
Subse<iuently he taught school for six terms, and 
came to Dexter later, where he actiuired the ma- 
chinist's trade, and was employed at Diistin's ma- 
chine shoi> for a little over eight years, and from 
thence was in the service of the Bi'ainard Milling 



THE EASTERN GAZETTE 



17 



Machine Co. nf Hyde Park. Mass.. for a year and a 
half. He thence devoted his attention to the inter- 
ests of his chosen profession and has been located 
in Dexter for the [last dozen years. 

Dr. J. W. Sawyer. 

The subject of this sketcli. Dr. .J. W, Sawyer, 
physician and surgeon, with office in the Dustin 
block, Main St.. and residence on lower Main St., 
was born in Monmouth, .July 7, 18(i5, and a few 
years later became a resident of Gardiner, where he 
attained a ijublic school education and graduated 
from Its High school in 1888. He subsequently at- 
tended the Normal school at Farminj»ton and later 
taught school for .several terms, and then entered 
the medical department of Bowdoin College from 
whence he graduated in 1804. From thence Dr. 
Sawyer came to Dexter and established practice, 
where he has since remained. He is a post gradu- 
ate of the John Hopkins University of Baltimore, 
was for five yeai-s su])erintendent of Dexter schools, 
is a member of the Maine Medical Societ.v. and also 
of the Piscatai{uis County Medical Association. 



Dr. E. Weymouth, Dentist, 

Located upon the second floor of the Dustin block 
are the elaborately furnished and spacious apart- 
ments of Dr. E. Weymouth, dentist, comprising a 
general reception i]arlor with an operating room in 
front, and another with laboratory in the rear, and 
centered Ijy an office and private reception room, 
all portierred from the ujain recejjtion room. Dr. 
Weymouth is a native of Corinna, and was educated 
in the public school. Dexter High school and Maine 
Central Institute of Pittsfield, and is a graduate of 
the Baltimore Dental College of the class of 18!I5, 
entering practice in Dexter the same year. Pro- 
fessional ethics forbids any extended eulngium as 
to the doctor's dental abilities and even if such were 
not the case, it would be entirely unnecessary, the 
fact of his being graduated from one of the highest 
grade dental colleges in the country, combined with 
the satisfactory service rendered numerous patrons 
in and about Dexter during his nine years' practice, 
is a sufficient guarantee as to his coini)etency in 
all details of medical, operative and mechanical 
dentistry. 



Manufacturing and Business Enterprises 




A.MOS ABBOTT CO. MILL. 



18 



THE EASTERN GAZETTE 



Amos Abbott Co. 

One of the principal factors of Dexter's industrial 
element is the plant of the Amos Abbott Co.. man- 
ufacturers of woolens, occupying the territory inter- 
vening Church and Grove streets, Ijordering the 
Wassookeag stream near its outlet with the lake of 
that name, which in conjunction with a steam plant 
furnishes operative power. The plant is the out- 
growth (if a carding mill and the jirivileges pertain- 
ing thereto acquired by Jeremiah and Amos Abbott 
in 1820, which shortly after was enlarged for the 
purpose of manufacturing woolen goods. In 1831 
Lysander Cutler acquired an interest but disposed 
of his rights to the Abbotts in 1834. In 1854, Job 
and George A, Abbott, sons resjiectively of Jere- 
miah and Amos, became identified with its nuxnage- 



street, the latter built in 1898. together with picker 
house, dyeing department, several storehouses, a 
thoroughly equipped machine shop, and commodi- 
ous office structure. The manufacturing plant 
has the capacity of a ten set mill, the steam plant in 
conjunction therewith being equipped with an 100 
h. J), engine, in addition to which is an electric light 
plant e(|uii)pe(l with two 250 light dynamos, oper- 
ated l)y an 511 h. p. engine. The output averages 
50,1)00 yards of woolen goods monthly, and employ- 
ment is furnished 170 hands, among whom is dis- 
tributed $5,000 monthly in wages. Arthur P. Ab- 
bott, manager, is a native of Dexter and apart from 
a public school education, acquired a special train- 
ing ill the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 
and has l)een actively identified with the plant for 
about twentv-four years. 




THK DTMBARTOX MILL. 



ment, the plant later being operated under the title 
of Amos Abbott & Co., the decease of Amos oc- 
curring in 1865 and Jeremiah in 1880. Inlateryears 
Arthur P. and G. Walter Abbott, sons respectively 
of Job and George A. Abliott, acipiired an interest, 
the latter's decease occurring in January, 1898, 
Feb. 1, 1899, the Amos Abbott Co. was incorporated 
with Job Abbott as president, Arthur P. Abbott 
treasurer, and G. Walter Abbott, superintendent, 
the latter becoming president upon the decease of 
Job Abbott in January, l!iO;>. Since the decease of 
G. AValter Abbott in Septendjer, 1903, Arthur P. 
Abbott has l)een treasurer and manager, the sur- 
viving members of the families of the deceased re- 
taining interest therein. The plant at i)resent com- 
prises a three story factory of wood 11)1x45, with a 
brick factory 115x60,adjoining and Ijordering Church 



The Dumbarton Woolen Co., 

of which I). R. Cami)l)ell is president and treasurer, 
A. O. Campbell, secretary, who with E. Genthner, 
D. O. Campbell and George Park, the latter resi- 
dent manager, constitute the directorate owning 
and operating the Dumbarton mill, formerly known 
as the stone mill in Dexter, was formed in 1903. 
The original mill occupying this site was built in 
1834, burned in 1844, and a story stone structure 
erected the following year, with two stories of 
wood added thereto in 1868. Since its acquirement 
by the i>resent corporation the property has been 
improved and placed in first class condition, and 
ajjart from the main building of four stories. 200x50, 
thoroughly machine equipped for the operation of 
a seven set null, includes a picker house, storehouse, 



THE EASTERN GAZETTE 



19 



eoiiiiiiodious office bviilding, fronting lower Main 
St., and a newly erected dye house, with an 150 h. 
p. steam plant, auxiliary to the water power. Its 
output is about 40,000 yards of plain and fancy 
woolens monthly, employment being furnished 120 
hands, the monthly pay roll aggregating $4,000. 
T>. R. Campbell, president of the company, is a 
native of Galashiels, Scotland, coming to Amesbury, 
Mass., in 1855, and in 1858 to Dexter, imrchasinff an 
interest in the old red woolen mill built by Calvin 
Copeland in 1847, upon the site of tlie Fay & Scott 
works. Later he assumed the entire control, and 
in 1868 the mill was burned. The following year 
Mr. Campbell acquired a woolen mill in Sangerville 
which in 1886 was supplanted by what is now 



tion of a four set mill, including a steam plant 
e(iuii>ped witli an 100 h. p. engine. The plant was 
installed in 1849, and operated by A. E. Conant & 
Co., the Farrar and Cutler syndicate succeeding 
thereto in 1854, and the Dexter Mills Co. in 1857, the 
present management acquiring its possession in 
18'J8, since which it has been vastly improved. Its 
chief product is broadcloth and a line of carriage 
trimmings, with an output of 30.000 yards monthly, 
furnishing employment to from 50 to 75 hands, 
among whom is distributed #2,000 in wages. Na- 
than Daggett, its president, is a native of Dexter 
and for six years was identified with the Co-opera- 
tive store, Vjut for t)ie past thirteen years has been 




WASSOOKEAti WOOLEN MILL. 



known as the St. Ronan's woolen mill plant, in the 
management of which for the past few years his 
sons, Angus O. and David O., have been associated. 
The St. Ronan's is a four set mill of modern type, 
e(iuipped with an 122 h. p. steam plant, and fur- 
nishes eniijloyment to rising 100 hands. 

The Wassookeag Woolen Co., 

of which Nathan Daggett is president, and D. H. 
Mudgett, treasurer and manager, is an important 
industrial factor of Dexter. The plant comprises a 
three story factory and office building ad.ioining, 
all of brick, with a storehouse adj.icent thereto, to- 
gether with the necessary eqiiiiunent for the opera- 



street, he being the exclusive agent of the W. L. 
Douglas shoe for gentlemen and the Queen (Quality 
for ladies. D. H. Mudgett is a native of Guilford, 
but with the exception of brief intervals has been 
identified with Dexter's interests for many years. 
Acquiring a publi.* school education, he devoted his 
attention to pharmaceutics, and for three years was 
ill the service of A. M. Robinson, Jr., of Bangor. 
Returning to Dexter he became assistant postmas- 
ter under Simeon Mudgett, his father, upon whose 
decease he became postmaster, serving for four 
years. He later became attached to the Bangor 
Commercial for a year, returning to Dexter and 
purchasing the Bridgliam drug store, which he dis- 
posed of to E. A. Brewster two years since. 



ao 



THE EASTERN GAZETTE 



Eldridge Brothers. 

One of the oldest iiuhistrial enterprises of Dexter 
is the planing' and niouldiny;' mill of Eldridge Bro- 
thers, Benjamin and 8amnel. whieh since the decease 
of the former in Nov. 18114, has been o])erated solely 
l>y the surviving- |)artner. The business was found- 
ed in the 40s by C. B. Curtis, who sul)se(|uently ad- 
mitted his son to partnership. The Middlesex Sati- 
net Mill, on Middlesex place, erected early in the 
preceding centnry, formed the nucleus of the plant, 
in which Ben.jamin Eldridge later acquired an inter- 
est. His brother, the present proprietor, sulise- 
((uently, in company with his brother, acquired and 
operated the plant under the title quoted above. 
The plant was later enlarged, and March 39, 1888, 
was partiall.v burned with no insurance to cover 
the loss. The property was at once rebuilt but was 
again i)artially destroyed by fire Oct. 30, 1807, with 
no insurance upon the property. The plant was 
again placed in first-class condition and comprises 
at present a two story mill on Middlesex place with 
an office and storehouse on Grove street, the mill 
l)eing thoroughly e(|uiiii)ed for the turning out of 
l)uilders" material of all kind, church and store fix- 
tures being a specialty. Employment is furnished 
to from eight to a dozen hands. Apart from build- 
ers' sujjplies, the firm deal in doors, sash, blinds, 
glass, and dressed lumber. Mr. Eldridge also man- 
ufactures shipping cases for the woolen mill plants 
in Dexter, and several AVafprville ujanufacturing 
])lants. 

Mr. Eldi-idge is a native of Dexter, and acquired 
the trade of a ship .joiner in Cherryfield, Kubse(|Uent- 
ly engaging thereat in Bath, and in 1853 went to 
Jacksonville, Fla., where he assisted in the con- 
struction of two vessels. He served as a member of 
the State legislature from this district in 1877-8 as 
did also his brother in 1883-8, and the former is at 
present town agent. 

Fay & Scott. 

The largest and most thoroughly equipi)ed me- 
chanical plant in western Maine, if not in the state, 
is the machine shop and foundry of Pay & Scott, 
occupying with the buildings thereon three quarters 
of an acre bordering Spring street at the foot of 
Free street. Mr. Fay is a native of Upton, Mass.. 
and acquired a thorough knowledge of the business 
by long experience in connection with establish- 
ments of a similar character in Hopedale and Wor- 
cester, Mass., and for two years subsecpient to 1881. 
in connection with Nathaniel Dustin's niacliine shop 
in Dexter. The germ of the present plant originated 
in a partnership between Mr. Norman H. Fay and 
Walter Scott in 1881, under the title of Fay & Scott, 
which was dissolved in 18rifi, bv the retirement of 



the .iunior partner, since which pei'iod Mr. Fay has 
contlucted its affairs with the afile assistance of 
his son, W. L. Fay, who in addition to the practical 
knowledge attained in connection with the Dexter 
plant is e(|uijiped with a sjjeeial training olitained 
at the Massachusetts Distitute of Technology. The 
Dexter plant in UIOl, was incorporated as a close 
corporation. The seedling plant was located in a 
portion of the Dustin block until 1884, when the 
jsresent jilant. since enlarged and improved, was in- 
stalled, and which is comprised in a machine shop 
300x50. and a foundry l;-i0x80. The former is divided 
by a tower jirojection enclosing the main entrance 
with a .iutting alcnve oiqiosite, ampl>- lighted ujion 
three sides, and within which are the general offices. 
To the left of the main entrance is an erecting shop 
and tool room, with a lathe department to the right 




W. L. FAY. 

with two adjoining wings, the first enclosing plan- 
ing and milling deijartments, and the other polisli- 
ing and casting storage rooms. The foundry in- 
cludes brass working and moulding apartments, 
with a commodins flask shed adjoining. The plant 
is equipped for the turning out of any class of ma- 
chine work, particularly machine tools, lathes and 
special sardine and (juarry machinery, as also brass 
work, its product being in demand all over the 
country. Apart therefrom special attention is 
given to repair work, as also steam and hot water 
fitting. Employment is furnished ninety-five me- 
chanics of all grades, the weekly pay roll approxi- 
mating flOOO. Mr. N. H. Fay is one of Dexter's pub- 
lic spirited citizens and an advocate of all public 



THE EASTERN (tAZETTE 



21 



improveiiieiits. He is* a ivsidiMit directoi' of the 
Wateiville Trust Co. mul was a representative 
to the state letrislatuie in i;ili(i-l 

Waterville Trust Co. -Dexter Branch. 

One of the most siiec-essfiil tiuanoial institutions 
in Dexter is the l)ranch of the Waterville Trust Co., 
established April I1.18ii(S. and located in the Ireland 
block, Grove street, the i)arent conjpany having' 
been incorporated in IS!i:',, and capitalized at 
$100,000. The Dexter bi-anch is officered by S. 
M. Leiffhton as cashier, with N. H. Fay, C. P. 
McOrillis, S. L. Small, and F. H. Hayes as resident 




-directors. The iiiterior fixtiives are of polished 
hardwood, the hanking counter being surmounted 
by a bronze lattice frame, the whole capped by 
a steel ceiling, and its quarters equipped with 
a burglar and tire proof safe. The premises 
being ui)on the ground floor are conveniently 
accessible for business puri)Oses. A general bank- 
ing and trust business is transacted, deposits being 
received subject to cheek, with a savings depart- 
ment in which Si per cent, interest is allowed on 
deposits. The company discounts ai)proved pai)er. 
loans money on secured collateral, executes trusts 



of every character, and acts as transfer agent, reg- 
istrar, and trustee under mortgages. The Dexter 
branch presents an exceptionally fine showing for 
the six years of its existence. Its demand deposits 
subject to check as shown by the bank examiner's 
statement, Oct. 25, ]!ll);!, amounted to *40,858,45, 
divisioned among Ki:! deiMisitors, with a savings de- 
Ijosit aggregating •'S'22."),.">(;(i,o() distributed among i94 
depositors, the total business having since been in- 
creased to over $;JOO,000. This, in conjunction with 
three other branches and the home oflHee, include a 
total deposit of il,12!l,428.4(), with undivided profits 
of •t49,051.01 and a #4,000 surplus. 

S. M. Leighton, Cashier of the Dexter branch, 
was born in Dexter Sept. 10, 1853, and after acquir- 
ing a public school education l)ecauie associated 
with his lather in the grocery business. In 1880, in 
company with .1. W. Haines, under the title of 
Leigliton & Haines, they succeeded to the business 
established by the elder Leighton, and in 1898 he re- 
tired therefrom to acce])t his jiresent position. 

Charles F. Bean, 

mason, contractor and l)uilder, whose office and res- 
idence is at 4 School street, was born in Dexter, and, 
subse(pient to a public school education, acquired 
his trade of the well known firm of Standish & 




CHARLES F. BKAX. 

Woodbury of Boston, where he remained for ten 
years. For the past twenty years he has been lo- 
cated in Dexter, and as the leading liriek mason has 
had to do largely with work of that character, in- 
cluding the additional story to the bank block com- 



23 



THE EASTERN GAZETTE 



pleted a few years since. Mr. Bean makes a speci- 
alty of boiler and fireplace work, though prepared 
at all times to contract for and execute any charac- 
ter of brick work, either in the erection of buildings 
or the laying of foundations, whether in or out of 
town, and to furnish estimates in connection there- 
with. 

H. A. Blethen. 

In the general retrospection of a town like Dexter 
one would hardly anticipate encountering such an 
elaborate jewelry establishment as that of H. A. 
Blethen, 40 Main street, nor do external indications 
presage the wonderful transformation that greets 
the visitor within. Though the display within the 




recess of the elaborate plate glass front of the build- 
ing is attractive enough to call the attention of the 
l^asser-by. yet within an air of refinement pervades 
the premises which with its highly polished show 
cases, filled with brilliant novelties emblematic of 
the jeweler's art, that reflect the myriadical rays of 
jewelistic shelf settings, jiresents a scene bordering 
entraneement. The goods thus displayed embrace 
nearly everything known to the jewelers art, includ- 
ing gold, silver, and plated ware of every variety, 
from separate pieces of elegant design to a complete 
side board service, with the best grades of watches, 
clocks, and personal novelties of all kinds, and a 
full line of optical goods. Mr. Blethen, who is a 
native of Dover, Maine, has been identified with the 
business for nearly half a century, and with the ex- 



ception of brief business experiences along these 
same lines in Nevada and California, been located 
in Dexter, practically upon the same site whereon 
stands the modern business structure erected by him 
some six years since and within which he is located, 
and wherein apart from the sale of jewelistic novel- 
ties he makes a specialty of repairing watches, 
clocks, and jewelry at all times. For the past fif- 
teen years Mr. Blethen has been ably assisted by 
his son, Ralph C. Blethen, who is also an expert 
optician, being a graduate of the N. Y. Optical Col- 
lege of New York city, Spencer's Optical Institute 
of the same city, and Foster's school of Optics of 
Boston, with private jjractice under W. H. Cjilbert, 
M. D., of N. Y., L. L. Ferguson, eye specialist of N, 
Y., and E. 8. Foster, M. D., of Boston, thereby en- 
abling him to at once determine by examination 
the proper artificial remedy required by those af- 
flicted with defective vision, and to mount and ad- 
just glasses to flt individual cases, a fact which is of 
essential importance to those whose visonary or- 
gans are in any way impaired. 

E. A. Brewster & Son. 

One of the finest drug stores in this section is that 
of E. A. and (George E. Brewster, father and son, the 
latter having charge thereof, located in the Bank 




KLMKR A. BRKW.STER. 

block. Main street. In general apijointment it is 
the equal of any similar establishment, even in the 
larger cities, the stock comprising pure drugs, chem- 
icals, medicinal prei>arations of all kinds, fancy and 
toilet articles, stationery and school supplies. An 



THE EASTERN GAZETTE 



23 



elaborate prescription (lepartiiieiit is in charge of 
the junior partner, a refjistered pharmacist, and 
who for many years was an attai-lie. and for some 
time practically in charj^e of the store, under the 
former proprietor, whom the present firm succeeded 
two years since. 

Elmer A. Brewster is a native of Parkman, Me.; 
coming to Dexter when 21, and engaging in the meat 
business as junior partner of the firm of Jones & 
Brewster, retiring therefrom in five years, when he 
went to Boston to engage in the restaurant business. 
Six years later he returned to Dexter and entered 
the service of his brother, W. E. Brewster, with 
whom he subsequently formed a co-jiartnership un- 
der the title of W. E. Brewster & Co. In 1903 he 
was elected representative to the state legislature. 




GKORCiK K. BKKWSTER. 

He is a meniljer and chairman of the Republican 
town committee and a member of the county com- 
uiittee. He is also a member of the Blue Lodge and 
Chapter of the F. and A. M., a Sir Knight of St. 
John's Commandery. of Bangor, and a Noble of the 
Kora Temple, H, C). M. S., as also a member of the 
Masonic Grand Lodge, serving two years as a dis- 
trict deputy thereof. 

W. E. Brewster & Co. 

Practically the largest wholesale and retail gro- 
cery, flour and feed firm in Dexter, comprising the 
brothers, AV. E. and E. A. Brewster, occupy the 
street floor and basement of two stores in the Dus- 
tin block, 33-5 Main street. The former is utilized 



as a retail sales department, with storage facilities 
in the rear, the two dnitartments being divisioned 
by the general office. The adjoining store, added 
within a year, is devoted to general storage, with 
two additional storehouses adjoining and connected 
by a spur with the M. C. R. R.. the storehouses hav- 
ing a combined capacity of several thousand bushels 
of grain and mill feed, and several carloads of flour, 
the latter being i)urcliased directly from the millers. 
In groceries, the firm handle everything of essential 
importance, inclusive of bottled and canned goods 
in variety. 

Both nieniliers of the firm are natives of Parkman, 
the senior migrating to Dexter when seventeen years 
of age, where he obtained his first mercantile exper- 
ience in a two years service in the i)rovision busi- 
ness, retiring therefrom to engage in the restaurant 
business in Boston, returning to Dexter two years 
later. He then entered the service of C. M. Sawyer, 
a flour and feed merchant, whose interests Mr. Brew- 
ster purchased in 188-, and in 188li removed to his 
present ([uarters, having for storage purposes a por- 
tion of the (Tazette building, which he later relin- 
quished. Mr. Brewster is president of the Savings 
Bank, vice president of the First National Bank, 
director of the Dexter Electric Light Co., and an 
honored member of several fraternal societies. 

Miss R. A. Curtis. 

The fancy goods, niillinery and notion store of 
Miss R. A. Curtis, 44 Main street, established some 
six years since, has become a fixture with Dexter's 
feminine shopping iniblic. Miss Curtis maintained 
a similiar establishment in New Sharon for many 
years prior to coming to Dexter and the experience 
thus attained proved of value, as is attested in the 
selection of such novelties as are ijleasing to her 
patrons, regarding quality and price, comprising 
millinery, hosiery, gloves and seasonable under- 
wear, toilet goods, embroideries, wrappers and the 
hundred or more articles classed as notions, all es- 
sential to the convenience and necessity of the fair 
sex. In fact, it is just such an estalilishment and 
stocked with just such goods in variety as would 
please the most (capricious. 

Warren H. Carr, 

whose hardware establishment, with a storehouse 
nearby, is at 52 Main street, is a native of Dexter, 
and, with the exception of a brief interval, has 
been identified with his present liusiness since 1870, 
at which period he became a partner of E. A. Ayer, 
under the title of Ayer i Carr, the latter selling to 
his imrtner a year later. Six months later Mr. Carr 
bought out Mr. Ayer, continuing the business since 
alone. Light and heavy hardware of every charac- 



24 



THE EASTERN GAZETTE 



ter. including suiiijlirs in detail for the milliuan, 
builder, blacksmith, iiiiicliiiiist, ])aiiiter, in fact, the 
mechanic of whatever class, toarether with bar iron, 
steel and carriage stock, constitute the essential 
features of trade. Apart therefrom he deals in cut- 
lery, sportsmen's goods, inclusive of fishing tackle, 
guns, revolvers and ammunition, and in addition 
carries a full line of wall papers. He also deals in 
lime and cement, with a storehouse of sufficient 
cajjaeity for the storage of a large quantity thereof. 
Mr. Carr has been a trustee of the Savings Bank 
for fifteen years, and for several vears was a director 



.J. K. Edes, in (ruilford in 185H, the senior meml)er 
of the lu'esent firm l)ec(jnn'ng idoititied therewith in 
18T9. The latter still continues to look after the 
Guilford business, while T. K. Edes attends to the 
interests of tlie Dexter establishment. The elder 
Edes was widely known as a merchant of sterling 
integrity and commendable business methods, and 
the Dexter firm have ingratiated themselves in the 
l)nl)lic confidence by a maintainance of these funda- 
mental luisiness principles. Their stock comi>rises 
all the latest novelties in dress faljrics, in silks, sat- 
ins and wcKilens, together with linings, trimmings. 




KDKS BKOrHKKS .S'1-(|RK, !l MAI.\ SIKKKT. 



in tile Fii-st Xational l-iank. For the past twenty 
years he has been tr(^a,snrcr (if the Dexter school 
fund. 

Bdes Brothers, 

dry and fancy gnods dealers, '.) JIain street, succeed- 
ing E. N. Derry some four years since, are among 
the recent converts to Dexter's business world. The 
tirni is composed of the brotljers, W. W. and T. K. 
Edes, under a eo-partnershii) formed in l^d'i, in 
succession to the business founded by their father. 



fancy gdcids and snjall wares, f ui'nishiiigs which in- 
cludes liosiery, gloves and seasonable underwear, 
with a full line of skirts, wrappers and shirt waists, 
introduced simultaneously with tlie leading metro- 
politan estalilishments of similiar chariicterization, 
all daintil\' an'a.nged rm- read.N' ins|iecriiin. Within 
a tidil\' aiTaiiged aiiartment in the rear are to be 
found a full line of ladies" tailor-made .iackets and 
suits, with furs and fur garments in tlie season 
thereof. As a whole the Edes Brothers maintain a 
dry and fancy goods emporium creditable alike to 
themselves and the liusiness element of Dexter. 



THE EASTERN GAZETTE 



25 



H. W. Fish. 

The mercantile interests of Dexter enilirace pret- 
ty imich all branches of bvisiness, including a car- 
riage and sleigh mart owned and conducted by H. 
W. Fish, whose repository and storehouses are both 
on Church street, the former of two stories, 30 x 40, 
with an office and harness sales department annexed 
sufficing for headtiuarters, and the storehouse, 30 x 
00, nearer the railroad station, serving as a reposi- 
tory for surplus stock, the latter having been erected 
some six years ago. The business was established 
by S. D. Fish, father of the present iirojjrietor, more 
than twenty-five years since. The son succeeded 
thereto on the decease of the elder in 1894. Mr. Fish 
is a native of Dexter and for eleven years prior to 
assuming control of his present business carried on 
a successful harness and saddlery business with a 
location on Main street. While Mr. Fish deals in 
harness and horse clothing to some extent, his main 
reliance is in the sale of fine carriages and sleighs, 
the former comprising light driving wagons, run- 
abouts, surreys, Ijike wagons, and in fact most every- 
thing in the line of light road vehicles, single or 
double, with or without tops, rubber tired and other- 
wise, as also sleighs of the most modern build. 
Those seeking such will find it worth their while to 
inspect the stock on display at tlie repository, as 
they are more than likely to find sonietliing to their 
purpose, at a price comijatible with the vehicle of 
their choice. 

Cyrus Foss. 

The sub.iect of this sketch was born in Alfred, 
Me., Oct. 17, 1823, his parents shortly after moving 
to Benton Falls. He was educated in tlie public 
school, including a term in the high school, and later 
actiuired the trade of a carpenter. He came to Dex- 
ter in 184-2, plying his trade until 184G, when he be- 
came a member of the firm of W. .Jewett & Co., foun- 
drymen, iind later, in company with Ansel I^ibby, 
established a tinsmithing and kitchen furnishing 
business, which continued until 1857, when Mr. Foss 
purchased his partner's interest, and enlarging the 
premises on Main sti-eet where he had located, con- 
tinued therein until 1887, when Dana Crockett be- 
came a partner. Mr. Foss relinquished his interest 
in the business in June, 1800, sinc^e which time he 
has led a retired life. 

Mr. Foss has always taken an active interest in 
town affairs and has served as a member of its Board 
of Selectmen two years, as also town treasurer one 
term, and as a Representative to the State Legis- 
lature in 1873-3. He was one of the promoters of 
the Dexter and Newport R. R., of which for several 
years he was a director, and later became interested 
in its extension to Dover. He has been a director 



of the First National Bank since 1877 and for the 
past three years its president, and is also a director 
of the Dexter Electric Light and Power Company. 
In 1852 he was married to Miss Sarah M., daughter 
of Amos AI)bott, their onlv surviving child, Mrs. 




CYRl'S FflSS. 

Alice Springall, being a resident of Maiden, Mass. 
Mr. and Mrs. Foss celebrated their golden marriage 
anniversary in November, 1902, both being hand- 
somely remembered l)y their many friends. Mrs. 
Foss had been an invalid for several years, her de- 
cease occuriug Feb. 1, 190:1. 

F. J. Gerry & Co. 

The firm of F. .1. l^erry i; Co., comprising the for- 
mer, in company witli Walter Gordon, are not only 
widely known to the Dexter public and that of its 
vicinity, but that of the commercial world at large. 
This firm maintain a grocery, flour, grain and mill 
feed establishment, the equal of any sinn'liar busi- 
ness in this section, located in the Dustin block, 
couibined with an extensive creamery business, with 
a wholesale branch establishment in Boston. The 
firm's i)resent Ijusiness enterprises are the outgrowth 
of a limited creamery business established liy Mr. 
Gerry in Garhind some sixteen years since. Mr. Ger- 
ry being the second to place sweet cream upon the 
marliet or to shii) the same out of the state. The 
business rapidly expanded, and, from a single team 
collection with a tlistribution of $300 per month 
among the producers, has developed into a business 
requiring the service of several teams, latterly fur- 
nished by the jiroducers, among whom is disbursed 



26 



THE EASTERN GAZETTE 



upward of 4^20,00(1 per luoiith. Eight years ago l\[r. 
Gerry transferred his Ijusiness to Dexter, locating 
in the adjoining i^reniises to those at present occu- 
pied, Walter Gordon becoming a partner in the en- 
terprise. Shortly thereafter the necessity of in- 
creased facilities became ajjparent and a creamery 
was erected upon the shore of tlie lake opjjosite the 
depot, ecjuipped with separators, pasteurizers and 
other machinery of modern type, witli an adjoining 
ice house of 2000 tons capacity. In addition thereto 
the firm have creameries in Belfast, Hucksport and 
Corinna, ecpially as well equipped. The grocery 
and mill feed department in the Dustin block was 
established about six jears since, and connected 
therewitli is a storehouse paralied by a spur of the 
BI. C. R. R., and another near tlie depot, the com- 
bined capacity of whicli is about fifteen carloads of 
flour, grain and mill feed. 

Gershom 1,. Gould, 

Truckman, hay ])resser and sliippei- of baled hay, 
whose office and residence is at S.") Main St.. is a na- 
tive of Charleston, but has been identified with 
Dexter's interests for over a tldrd of a century. 
Mr. Gould not only does heavy trucking, including 
that of the Fay & Scott machine shop, but has a 




HAY PRESS IK OPKUATIOX. 

building equipped with two modern hay presses of 
a combined capacity of from 20 to 25 tons per day. 
apart from which he is an extensive purchaser of 
hay, which he presses and ships on his own account. 
He has a storehouse of 1,000 tons capacity, parallel- 
ing the M. C. R. R. in Dexter, his shipments aggre- 
gating 4,000 tons annually. 

C. H. Hayden. 

For decorative purposes, either for weddings, fu- 



nerals or public or private receptions, there is noth- 
ing more appropriate than the artistic grouping of 
floricultural products at the hands of a trained 
florist. Charles H. Hayden, whose conservatories 
are at the junction of Main street and Railroad aven- 
ue, is prepared to render service of this character 
and furnish special designs for any occasion, partic 
ularly for funerals. Mr. Hayden is a native of Cor- 
inna but has been a resident of Dexter since boy- 
hood. He first Ijecame connected with the Maine 
Central railroad in 18(i7asa foreman, which position 
he retained for many years creditably to hinjself 
and the corporation. For the past eleven years he 
has become better known to the public as a florist 
and gardener. H is conservatories, three in number, 
with a convenient office and designing room in con- 
nection, requiring some .">,000 feet of glass in their 
covering, are of modern design with even tempera- 
ture facilities for the projiagation of such floricul- 
tural products as are in demand, which includes the 
various varieties of roses, carnations, ferns, smilax 
and potted plants of varied character. Mr. Hay- 
den's services as a floriculturist have been in de- 
mand upon many jjuljlic and private occasions, not 
only in Dexter, but for many miles around, and 
though at times it has required considerable inge- 
nuity in decorative arrangement, the work has been 
invariably satisfactory to all concerned, and es- 
pecially so in connection with Easter festivals by 
the churches. In addition to floriculture Mr. Hay- 
den pays special deference to the propagation of 
seedling plants, pai'ticularly lettuce, of which he 
produces thousands of heads each season. He also 
propagates and has for sale all the leading varieties 
of annual seedlings for Hower and vegetable gardens. 

J. Willis Haines, 

The present town clerk t>f Dexter, and who has ac- 
ceptably filled that position since May 1, 18!i3, is a 
native of Dexter, and has been long and favorably 
known to Dexterites in connection with the grocery 
trade, having in 1880, in company with 8. M. Leigh- 
ton, under the title of Leighton & Haines, succeeded 
to the business of Joshua W. Leighton, and then, 
as now, occupying the premises at 31 Main street. 
This partnership continued until 181I8, when Mr. 
Leighton retired to accept the cashiership of the 
Waterville Trust Company, since which j^eriod Mr. 
Haines, who is and has been agent for the Am- 
erican Express Company since 1883, has conduct- 
ed the business alone. His stock comprises choice 
family and staple groceries of all kinds and prac- 
tically the largest line of china, glass, crockery, 
stoneware and lamp goods to l)e found in town. 
All goods are delivered |)romptly in any part of 
Dexter village. 



THE EASTERN GAZETTE 



27 



E. H. Jones & Co. 

Practically the oldest established meat market in 
Dexter is that of E. H. Jones & Co., 3 (Trove St. 
Mr. Jones is a native of Athens, Me., and came to 
Dexter nearly a third of a century ago, and later, in 
company with E. A. Brewster, enfjaged in this busi- 
ness, locatiuir at tliat time at the lower end of Main 
street. This partnershii) existed fur about six years 
when Mr. Brewster retired. Since that period, un- 
til about two years ago. when H. M. McKusick be- 
came a partner, Mr. Jones conducted the business 
alone. The present location was estal)lished some 
ten years ago. Tlie firm deals in fresh, salt, smoked 




K. H. -JON'KS. 

and corned meats of all kinds, with poultry and 
game in its season, as also shell fish of all kinds. 
The firm purchase beef largely on the hoof from the 
neighboring farmers, and do their own slaughter- 
ing, liaving a fully e(|uipi)ed building for the pur- 
pose upon the outskirts of tlie town, and which also 
has facilities for the i)reparation and manufacture 
of sausage and smoked meats. Their premises on 
Grove street are also supplied with ample cold 
storage facilities for the proper care of meats. In 
addition they carry a full line of staple and fancy 
groceries, which includes canned and liottled goods 
and relishes. 

Wesley H. Judkins. 

Wesley H. Judkins, treasurer of the Dexter Savings 
Bank, was born in Monmouth, Me., and was ed- 
ucated in the public schools and Monmouth acad- 



emy. He first entered uiHrcantile lifn as a member 
of the clerical department of the Twitchell-Champlin 
Company of Portland, remaining eight years, and 
then entering the service of Emery Waterhouse & 
Co. in a similar capacity. From thence he came to 
Dexter in 1886, and established a boot and shoe 
store, which he later disposed of, and ac,(pjired the 
insurance business of H. C. Parsons. Mr. Judkins 
conducts a general insurance business, representing 




WKSLKY H. .rniKINS. 

the leading fire companies, as also the Fidnjity 
(Casualty comjjauy, and the Connecticut Mutual 
Life Insurance company. Mr. Judkins succeeded 
A. F. Bradbury as treasurer of the Dexter Savings 
bank in 1807. He was for four years a member of the 
Board of Selectmen, and is at iiresent a member of 
the Board of Water Commissioners, as also of Ma- 
sonic bodies. 

Dexter Steam I/aundry. 

One of the most essential factors to the general 
cleanliness, if not health, of a community is a laun- 
dry establishment such as is represented by the 
Dexter Steam Laundry, 14 Grove St., of which for 
the past two years C. A. Stevens has been proi)rie- 
tor and manager. Every character of laundry work, 
inclusive of the most delicate fineries, receives 
promi)t and careful attention, the establishment 
Ijeing equipped witli washing, ironing and polish- 
ing machines of the most apjiroved pattern. The 
management, being dejiendent on the public for 
patronage, are painstaking with all work entrusted 
to their charge, the result being an ever increasing 
business which furnishes employment to a number 
of hands, as also the service of a collectifui and de- 
livery team. Jlr. Stevens, who is a native of Pitts- 
field, Me., has had an experience of fifteen years in 
laundry work, which is a sufficient guarantee of 
general excellence in the business. His first know- 
ledge of the business was acijuired in a five years 



28 



THE EASTERN GAZETTE 



connection with the Belfast steam laundry, which, 
in association with his brother, he managed a great- 
er portion of the time. Pi'om thence he went to 
Massachusetts and assumed charge of the Winches- 
ter steam laundry, from which he in a few months 
retired to travel on the road estaljlishing plants of 
this character, later assuming charge of a Haverhill, 
Mass., laundry, coming to Dexter, as previously 
stated, about two years ago. By prompt, courteous 
and satisfactory service he has succeeded in estab- 
lishing a lucrative business. 

The I^owell Clothing Co., 

Located at of) Main St., which is in succession to 
the business of P. L. Lowell and of which for the 
past four years Hari'y E. Hale has been proprietor. 




HAKKV K. HAI,K. 

is a thoroughly reliable clothing and gents" furnish- 
ing house. Mr. Hale is a native of Dexter, acquired 
his education in its public schools, and prior to his 
assumption olL-the business was identified therewith 
under its former management for fifteen years, and 
is consequently familiar with its requirements, and 
those of his patrons. The stock comprises enough 
and more than enough to meet the denmnds of those 
desiring ready-made garments, whatever the age or 
avoirdupois of the customer, and which are to be 
found in suits and top coats of the latest fashiona- 
ble make. Apart therefrom Mr. Hale deals in hats, 
caps, gloves, seasonable underwear and furnishings 
of all kinds, as also trunks, bags, and traveling 
equipage. With the exception of footwear Mr. Hale 
can array his patrons from head to foot with inner 



and outer raiment for any occasion, with a grip and 
umbrella included. In addition he is prepared to 
furnish clothing to measure and to guarantee satis- 
faction therein. 

George I/. Morrison. 

That Dexter's business interests are expanding is 
evidenced by the fact that within the past few years 
many new firms have acquired a birthright, all of 
which are apparently prosperous. Among such is 
the department store of George L. Morrison, 15 Main 
St. Mr. Morrison is a native of Tillicoultry, Scot- 
land, and a brother of John L. and William Morri- 
son of the Morrison woolen nulls. For more than a 
dozen years he was identified as a sultordinate in the 
Hai'tland woolen uiills, a jjortion of this period op- 
erating a canling mill. In 18S!( he went to Ells- 




UKOKUK L. MORRISON. 

worth. Me., and f>i)erated a wt)olen mill on his own 
account, disposing of the same about three years 
since, and returning to Dexter operated a rag pick- 
er and grist mill. About three years ago he entered 
business for himself and opened a department store 
in the Pierce building on Main street. Two years 
later he transferred the business to his present 
commodious (piarters. Mr. Morrison's stock com- 
prises, apart from dry and fancy goods of an up to 
date standard, ladies' and gents" underwear, ho- 
siery, bric-a-ljrac, embroideries and small ware nov- 
elties of all kinds, as also a varied assortment of 
woolen, cotton and muslin remnants. It is Mr. 
Morrison's intention to add other popular lines 
from time to time, with a view of making the estab- 
lishment a thoroughly modern department empo- 
rium. 



THE EASTERN GAZETTE 



39 



Meigs & Co. 

Tlif firm of Meifj:s and Co., couiiirisiiif^ X. E. and 
F. D. Meigii, clothiers and men's outfitters, 38 Main 
St., during the twenty-nine years since its establish- 
ment in Dexter, and with which N. E. Meigs, resi- 
dent proprietor, has been identified for the past 
nineteen years, with ten years experience in the 
same line in Phrnnix. R. 1.. has aciiuired the reputa- 
tion of dealing in strictly first class goods at 
strictly honest i>rices. The living up to this repu- 
tation has secured for theni iiatronage and popu- 
larity. That the fii-ni can and do carry a large line 
of readv-made clothing in >ai-k and frock suits and 




S. K. MKIGS. 

top coats, the etpial of custom made garments in fit, 
style and workmanship, available for all classes, at 
prices that are often less than <iuoted elsewhere, is 
made apparent by the fact that they do a very large 
business, having stores in fSpringfieUl, Mass., Bridge- 
port and Xew Haven, ('onn.. both being natives of 
Madison, Conn. The firm also cari-y a complete 
stock of fur coats, hats, caps, gloves and gents' fur- 
nishings of every character, together with trunks, 
bags, and traveling ecpiipage. Their premises are 
spacious, with ample facilities for the inspection of 
goods, and patrons are assuivd of full value in all 
purchases. 

Mrs. C. E. Morse, Insurance. 

One of the most enterprising and successful in- 
surance agents in Dexter is Mrs. C. E. Morse, whose 
office and residence is on Free street. Mrs. Morse is 
A daughter of the late George GolT, a former well 



known expressman, and entered the insurance field 
some four years ago by writing life policies, since 
which time she has added other risks, embracing at 
present all classes of insurance, including fire, life, 
accident, boiler, plate glass and health. Among 
the companies Mrs. Morse represents are the Fire- 
men's Fund and Holyoke Fire Insurance companies, 
United States Casualty Co., of New York, the Gen- 
eral Accident Co., of Phila<leli)hia, the Union Casu- 
alty Co., New York, all too well known to require 
special commendation, and the Mutual Life Insur- 
ance Co., of New York, one of the oldest and strong- 
est of life companies, its assets approximating 
t400.000,000, with a surplus of rising *68,000,000, and 
insurance and annuities in force of nearly a billion 
and a half. This comjjany did the largest business 
of any life company in the country in 1902, and has 
the largest amount of insurance in force, and the 
largest premium income in Maine. The insurance 
business requires perseverance, tact and unlimited 
patience of its representatives in order to be success- 
ful. The possession of these attributes has devel- 
oped a wide field for Mrs. Morse, who is prejiared at 
all times to devote her time and attention to the 
presentation of facts in detail. 

F. W. Parsons. 

The building at present occupied by F. W. Par- 
sons, fronting Main street and .junctioning Church 
and Grove sti-eets, is of historical renown from the 
fact that it was erected in 18:15 by Jonathan Farrar 
and Oram McCrillis, who conducted a general store 
therein for many years. Through successive owner- 
ships and occupants it has relegated to occupancy 
by its present incundjent, who established business 
therein some five years since, after having served in 
a subordinate (rapacity in the same line for upward 
of twenty years in Dexter. As a hardware store Mr. 
Parsons' establishment is the equal of any similar 
one in any town, his stock comprising light and 
heavy hardware, the latter including iron and steel 
products and carriage stock, while the former em- 
braces mechanical sui)i)lies in sufficient variety and 
abundance to supply the mechanic of whatever 
grade, inclusive of paints, oils and varnishes, glass 
and putty. A complete line of fishing tackle, with 
cutlery and small hardware sundries are to be 
classed as among the essentials of this up to date 
hardware establishment, in addition to which Mr. 
Parsons deals in lime and cement, with a store- 
house annex for the accommodation of the latter 
and heavy hardware. 

C. M. Sa-wyer. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Dexter 
Sept. 16th, 1846, and was educated in its public 
schools. From 18().'i until ISfiT, he was liookkeeper 



30 



THE EASTERN GAZETTE 



and paymaster of the Dexter Woolen Mills com- 
pany, retiring therefrom the latter year to enter the 
drug business in company with Dr. G. B. Clough, 
under the firm title of Clough & Sawyer. This co- 
partnership continued until 1873, when Mr. Sawyer 
became associated with W. D. Eaton, under the 
partnership title of Eaton & Sawyer, the firm con- 
ducting an extensive lumber and jiroduce business. 
In 1878 Mr. Sawyer purchased Mr. Eaton's interest, 
conducting the business alone until 1888, when he 
closed out. The following vear he became cashier 




C. M. SAWYKH. 



of the First National bank, 
retains. Mr. Sawyer has bee 
since 1882 and from 1886 to 
From 1867 to 1872 he served 
been a trustee of the Dexter 
teen years. He is secretary 
Board of Trustees of the M. 
Penobscot Lodge, A. F. and 
Royal Arch chajiter, and a S 
Commanderv of Hangor. 



which position he still 
n a director of the bank 
1889 was its president, 
as town clerk, and has 

town library for four- 

and treasurer of the 

E. church, a member of 

A. M.. of the St. John's 

ir Knight of St. John's 



Amos A. Springall. 

The old and reliable pharmacy of A. A. Springall, 
situated at 34 Main street, was founded by the fa- 
ther of the present proprietor. Dr. John B. Spring- 
all, in 1858, who conducted the business until his 
death in 1800. Amos A. Springall entered the busi- 
ness in 1873 as clerk, and in l.S7(! Ijecame part owner, 
and in 1896 sole proprietor, continuing as such to the 
present time. He is a skillful pharmacist and 
makes a specialty of the prompt and accurate tilling 



of prescriptions from the purest and best of drugs. 
He carries a large stock of chemicals, patent medi- 
cines, toilet articles, fancy goods, books, magazines 
and papers, and one can find almost anything in 
these lines in this store. Mr. Springall is one of the 
enterprising ai]d relialjle citizens of Dexter and has 
occupied many positions of trust, being town treas- 




A.MOS A. SPRIXaALL. 

urer four years or more, collector of taxes four 
vears and one of the trustees of the town library for 
ten years and at present. He has been secretary of 
the Loan and Building association since its organ- 
ization in ISSli. an important and responsible posi- 
tit)n. He is a member (if tlie Knights of Pythias 
and Royal .Ai'cannm. 

Charles H. Wyman. 

Fronting on upper and lower Main street is the 
furniture estal)lisliment of ('. H. Wyman, the larg- 
est and most completely stocked establishment of 
its kind in this section. A large portion of the old 
buildings were destroyed by fire last spring and a 
new and beautiful block has taken its place and is 
now apiH'oaching completion. It is two stories high 
with a large and commodious basement. It has a 
front on lower Main of 47 feet and on upper Main of 
04 feet, all of which is lighted on the first floor by 
large plate glass. Witli the exception of one stoi-e 
on the east corner, the entire building will be devot- 
ed to the furniture business in its various branches. 
Beside a large variety of furniture proper, the stock 
includes bedding, wall paper, shades, carpets and 
rugs. With the facilities on hand it is jierfectly 
safe to say that Mr. Wyman could readily fill a con- 
tract for the furnishing of any domicile with the 
necessary furniture and house furnishings, befitting 
every apartment from basement to attic, and still 
have something left over. Regarding burial sup- 
plies, Mr. Wyman is a funeral director in all this 



THE EASTERN GAZETTE 



31 



ttTiii iuiplies, as also a I'ractical eiiil)aliner, and in 
addition to Imrial supplies of every character, is 
Ijrepared to furnish floral decorations, as also a 
handsome hearse. He will also take personal charge 
of all funeral arrangements. Mr. Wyman is a na- 
tive of Fairfield, and in 18S'2 became an appi-entice 
in a large furniture iiianufactui-ing house, serving 




rHAHLKS H. WYM.A^. 

therein three years, with an additiniial experience 
with another furniture house, acipiiring thereby a 
full knowledge of the business. He came to Dexter 
in 1H!I1 and pui-ehased the furniture business of E. 
M. Tibbetts, since which he has acquired business 
and popularity from a large constituency in and 
about Dexter. 

The Printing Business in Dexter. 

The early history of the pi-inting Ijusiness in Dex- 
ter is somewhat obscure. The first office in town 
was starteil by Rev. J. F. Witherell. a Univei'salist 
clergyman, who came here from Fishersville, N. H.. 
and was known as the Leviathan Printing Estab- 
lishment. March 19, 1853. Mr. Witherell commenced 
the publication of the '"(iem." a small four page 
weekly. A short time after it was changed to the 
'■Gem and Gazette." This was continued until 
March, 186;!, when, owing to poor health, he sus- 
pended publication and his daughter, Caroline F. 
Witherell, i)ul)lished for one year a monthly paper 
entitled. 'The Gem Gazette." Mr. Witherell then 
resumed pul)lication of the weekly paper and con- 
tinued it until 1870. The office force, during the 
time Mr. Witherell was running the paper, com- 
prised such well known names as Hiram A. Keene, 
George W. Wormell, Andrew H. Knight, Electa A. 
Bement, Lizzie M. Hailey and John L. Russell. 

In ISTit Robbins and (Tallison purchased the With- 
erell plant and starteil the "Dexter Gazette." Later 
Mr. Robbins [jurchased the interest of his partner 



and run the paper alone for some ,veai's. M. F. 
Herring then became a partner and, about 1879, 
bought the interest of Mr. Robbins. While Mr. 
Robbins was connected with the paper he was its 
editor. Later, under Mr. Herring's ownership, it 
was a portion of the time edited by Mr. Herring; 
then by Capt. James J). Maxfield, by Thos. H. B. 
Pierce. Es(]., and by Samuel B. Thayer fof Ply- 
mouth), in the ordei- mentioned. Day & Bunker 
succeeded Mr. Herring, Holman F. Day becoming 
the editor. While they were owners, in March, 
1892, the "Eastern State" was purchased of Dr. 
Fitzgerald and consolidated with the "Dexter Ga- 
zette," the name beconn'ng the "Eastern Gazette." 

About 1881 or 2 the "Eastern State" was started 
by Dr. Fitzgerald and for a time was managed by R. 
U. Robl)ins. He was succeeded by others and final- 
ly by Thos. H. B. Pierce, Esti., who was editor from 
1889 to 1892, when it was consolidated with the 
"Dexter Gazette," as above stated. 

''Quiet Hours Magazine" was started in Dexter in 
the summer of 1887, by Mrs. Fannie B. Damon and 
Mrs. Mary V. Pierce, who were its editors. This 
was just before the great i-eduction of magazine 
prices, started l>y Munsey's in 1888. Its price was 
one dollar a year. It was illustrated to a limited 
extent and won considerable favor with the public. 
It had some contributors of national reputation, 
and maintained a high order of merit. In 1890 it was 
consolidated with the "Eastern State," then edited 
by Mr. Pierce. It had a steadily increasing number 
of subscribers, located in every state in the union: 
l)ut the low price at which some of the standard 




GEORGK C. FT'RBER. 



33 



THE EASTERN GAZETTE 



magazines were then sold, made the outlook dis- 
couraging and it was thought prudent to dispose 
of it. 

After the consolidation the "Eastern Gazette" 
was owned and managed by Day, Hunker & Lane, 
then by Day, Bunker & Warren, then Bunker and 
Warren. Ladd Brothers acquired the paper in 18115 
and run the ])roperty until 18!I7, when W. S. Ladd 
acquired the interest of his brother and continued 
sole owner until May 1, IflOI, when he sold to George 
C. Furber, the present i)roprietor. 

The brief sketch given above gives but a faint idea 
of the development of the present paper and busi- 
ness. At present the "Eastern Gazette" is an eight 
page paper with seven columns to the page and con- 
tains a weekly history of the thriving section in- 
cluded in Dexter and the suri-ounding territory. 
The office is well equipped with the best of type, 
presses and all that goes to make up a well appoint- 
ed printing establi.shment. The best of work is 



done, as is shown by the constantly increasing 
amount turned out, giving the best of satisfaction. 
George C. Furber, the present editor and propri- 
etor of the "Eastern Gazette," was born in Wood- 
stock, Vt., April 27, 1847. His education was ob- 
tained in the common schools and academy and a 
course in Eastman's Business college. Purchasing 
an interest in the "Allegan County (Mich.) Demo- 
crat" in 1870, he remained with that paper four 
years, acquiring a thorough knowledge of the busi- 
ness. In 1874 he purchased the "White Mountain 
Republic," of Littleton. N. H., and published it un- 
til 1880. when he consolidated it with the "Littleton 
.Journal" under the name of the "Republic-Jour- 
nal." In 1S!)() he sold out, owing to poor health, 
and for several years was not actively engaged in 
business, with the exceiition of one year when he 
was business manager of the "Patriot" office in 
Concord, N. H. May 1. Itllil, he purchased the 
"Eastern Gazette." 



DirigO Hose Co. No. 4. tral building. The present membership is; A. C. 

Grant, Captain; A. L. Sanford, 1st Lieutenant; Mell 

This company wa-; organized May !J, 1898, under Shaw, 2nd Lieutenant; George Hall, .Jr., Butman; 

the name of Independent Hose Co., Jso. 4, but the C. F. Bean, 1st Assistant Butman; Charles Brews- 




title was changed from Independent to Dirigo .June 
■5, 189!). Its headquarters have alwaj-s been on Grove 
street, near the mill of the Amos A))bott Co., but 
it is expected they will soon be changed to the cen- 



ter, 2nd Assistant Butman; W. G. Jackson, 4th Pipe- 
man; Willis G. Haseltine, Clerk; A. H. Bridgham, 
Steward; E. H. Bragdon, John Caswell, Paul Came, 
Frank Mason, Hosemen. 



3477«61 



F 



THE SHORT LINE 



1 



...AND... 



DIRECT ROUTE 

BETWEEN 

Dover, Foxcroft, Dexter 



■AND- 



Portland and Boston 



IS VIA. THE 



Maine Central Railroad 



through Newport and Waterville, thence along the Kennebec River through 
Augusta, Hallowell, Gardiner and Brunswick, connecting for Skowhegan, 
Bath and Rockland, or via. the "back road" through Oakland, Winthrop and 
Lewiston, connecting for Farmington, Rangeley Lakes, Rumford Falls and 
Bemis; and at Danville Junction with stages for Poland Springs. At Portland 
connection is made with THROUGH TRAINS TO MONTREAL and 

QUEBEC via. the GRAND SCENERY of the WHITE MOUNTAINS 



The Maine Central R. R. I'r '"; ™^°"^" 

^^— — _^_^^— ^-^^_^.^_^___^_^^_^ L>AK — (^uick Service Line 
to Bangor, Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, Eastport, Calais, and via. Enfield, Dan- 
forth and Vanceboro to St. Stephen, St. John, Aroostook County and the 
Maritine Provinces. 



GEO. F. EVANS, 

Vice Pres. and Gen. Mgr. 



F. E. BOOTHBY, 

Gen. Pass, and Ticket Agt. 



GENERAL OFFICES: PORTLAND, MAINE. 






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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

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013 983 640 6 



